Mental health issues like anxiety highest among Grade 10-12 students: study

A study conducted last year has found that mental health issues such as anxiety are most common among students studying between grades 10 and 12. The study, carried out from January 1 to December 27 last year, collected information from 418 students across nine regions of the Maldives, including the Malé region. The data was analysed to assess the state of students' mental health. According to the findings, stress, constant anxiety and sleep problems are highly prevalent among students. The study said these issues are most observed among students in grades 10 to 12. The main causes identified by the study include bullying, harassment, loneliness and family problems. It also said that learning difficulties and the way society views mental illness create major obstacles for families seeking the help they need. Referring to its results, the study said students' mental health is closely linked to the school environment and conditions at home. It therefore highlighted as essential that relevant authorities bring the standard of school staff to a uniform level, establish a system to regularly monitor students' mental health, and raise community awareness about mental illnesses.