Exploring mental health in Phuket teens

One in seven adolescents (aged 10-19) suffers from a mental health disorder, with suicide being the third leading cause of death among those aged 15-29, according to a 2024 study on youth mental health by the World Health Organization.

- Dominik Schulz

In Phuket, limited mental health services, constant peer turnover, and a lack of social spaces outside school or home make it even harder for teens to build the emotional support systems we need to thrive. So, what can parents do to support their teens in a place that seems like paradise on the outside, but often feels isolating on the inside?

Social media

Unlike many European countries, Phuket has no dedicated youth centres for teens to socialise. The public transport system here is scarce and notoriously difficult to use, making in-person meetups even more challenging for us. Hence, many of us turn to social media.

Yes, social media helps us connect more easily than ever - but that doesn't mean it's always a good thing. A lot of my peers often describe feeling like they constantly have to perform, compare themselves to others, and manage how they're seen online. Over time, this pressure builds up and makes some teens base their self-worth entirely on other people's opinions.

Ironically, the rise in mental health awareness has also created a different kind of pressure. Some teens I know say awareness campaigns make it even harder for them to be honest about what they're going through.