Since 2020, life has been tough for a lot of people. The COVID-19 pandemic may have started as a health crisis, but it quickly became something deeper—something invisible.
Behind the masks and lockdowns, many of us were struggling emotionally. And while we’ve slowly moved forward, the truth is: mental health issues have quietly gotten worse in Southeast Asia, and not enough people are talking about it.
This isn’t just a global problem. It’s a regional one. And for many in ASEAN, it’s a silent battle.
The numbers we can’t ignore
Let’s talk facts. According to the World Health Organisation, cases of depression and anxiety worldwide rose by 25 per cent in the first year of the pandemic. In Southeast Asia, a 2021 regional study found that nearly half of the people surveyed in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore showed signs of severe anxiety or depression.
In Malaysia alone, over 37,000 people called mental health hotlines in 2020. The following year, suicide cases rose to 1,142—nearly double the previous year. These aren’t just numbers. These are people who felt overwhelmed, helpless, and unheard.
In the Philippines, mental health hotline calls nearly doubled in one year, with hundreds expressing suicidal thoughts. In Singapore, poor mental health rose from 13.4 per cent in 2020 to 17 per cent in 2022. In Thailand, the suicide rate climbed to 7.97 per 100,000 people—just shy of WHO’s “alarming” threshold of 8.
Vietnam reported that about 15 million people—around 15 per cent of its population—are living with mental health conditions. Even more alarming: over 3 million children in Vietnam need mental health support.
Young people are struggling too
A generation is growing up under pressure. In Malaysia, 26.9 per cent of teenagers were reported to have depression in 2022, compared to 18.3 per cent five years earlier. In other ASEAN countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, educators and social workers are seeing more signs of anxiety, self-harm, and emotional distress among young people.
And many are suffering in silence. They look okay on the outside, but deep inside, they feel alone.
Why is no one talking about this?
Here’s the honest truth: people don’t talk about mental health because of stigma.
In many ASEAN cultures, mental health is still seen as taboo. If someone admits they’re depressed, others may say they’re weak or overreacting. In some families, the mindset is: “Don’t talk about problems—just keep going.” But bottling up emotions doesn’t heal anything. It only makes things worse.
The second reason is access. There simply aren’t enough mental health services in Southeast Asia. Most countries spend less than three per cent of their health budget on mental health. Some spend as little as US$1 per person per year.
In Indonesia, there are only about 1,200 psychiatrists for a population of 270 million. In the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand, the numbers are just as low. Even Singapore, which has better healthcare, only has 4.4 psychiatrists per 100,000 people. The WHO recommends 10.
This means many people who need help simply can’t find it—or can’t afford it.
The sad reality: Mental health isn’t “profitable”
Mental health care is often ignored because there’s no big money in it.
Governments are more likely to fund projects that boost the economy. Businesses prefer campaigns that improve productivity. But therapy? Support groups? Mental health education? These things don’t generate quick profits.
But ignoring mental health comes at a cost. Economists estimate that untreated mental illness could cost ASEAN countries up to 4.8 per cent of GDP due to lost productivity. People who are depressed or anxious often can’t focus, can’t work, or burn out quickly. So, in reality, caring for mental health actually saves money.
Still, the real cost isn’t financial—it’s human. It’s the father who feels too ashamed to ask for help. The teenager who thinks no one will understand. The friend who hides their sadness with a smile. Every day, someone is silently struggling—and some of them don’t make it through.
What can we do?
You don’t need to be a doctor or politician to make a difference. Start with the people around you.
- Check in: Send that message. Make that call. Ask someone, “How are you really doing?” Not just the usual “I’m fine” stuff. Give people space to talk. It might feel awkward, but your small action could mean the world.
- Listen without judging: When someone opens up, don’t interrupt. Don’t try to fix everything. Just listen. Say things like, “That sounds tough,” or “I’m here for you.” What people need most is to feel heard and accepted.
- Normalise the conversation: Talk about your own mental health struggles. Be honest when you’re feeling down. When we open up, we give others permission to do the same. The more we talk, the less taboo it becomes.
- Help them take the first step: If someone is in deep distress, help them reach out for support. Look for local helplines, counseling services, or online resources. Offer to go with them or make the first call together. Sometimes, people just need a little help to get started.
- Speak up in your community: If you’re in a workplace, school, or organisation, speak up for better mental health policies. Suggest wellness programs, mental health days, or anonymous counselling. Show your leaders that this matters.
It starts with us
In ASEAN, we pride ourselves on being close-knit, family-focused, and community-driven. But real care goes beyond giving food or money. It’s about showing up emotionally. It’s about making sure no one feels alone.
Mental health issues are growing in our region. The numbers don’t lie. But behind every statistic is a person—a story—a life. And every life matters.
Even if big institutions are slow to act, we can lead the change in our own homes, schools, and social circles. Let’s make kindness normal. Let’s make it safe to say “I’m not okay.” Let’s remind our loved ones that they matter—not for what they do, but for who they are.
So today, take a few minutes to reach out. Listen. Care. Because sometimes, that’s all it takes to save a life.
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