Survey: Students unlikely to seek help when experiencing stress

Over 70% of students report feeling stressed due to their studies and related issues, with some expressing thoughts of self-harm, yet only a small fraction actively seek emotional support services, according to the findings of a survey.

The General Association of Chinese Students of Macao, in partnership with the University of Saint Joseph (USJ), conducted an annual survey on the mental health of secondary school students in Macau between May 15 and June 15, with results released on Saturday.

Of the 1,017 students surveyed from seven local secondary schools, over 40% reported feelings of irritability, anxiety, and depression in stressful situations.

Specifically, 40% showed mild to moderate anxiety, while 5% experienced moderate to severe anxiety. Female students reported higher anxiety levels than their male counterparts; however, fewer than 5% had sought psychological support services.

According to the findings, most students manage stress by resting, distracting themselves with entertainment, and talking to friends, with over 70% of the respondents agreeing that sleep is effective in relieving stress.

However, the report reveals that the average student sleeps only seven hours per night, with 34.6% getting less than six hours.

Additionally, 28.5% expressed dissatisfaction with their recent sleep, and 24.6% reported that sleep issues interfered with their daily lives, with academic pressure identified as the primary source of stress for middle school students.

Over half of the respondents cited academic work, exams, and pressure to advance in school as sources of stress, followed by interpersonal relationships and self-imposed expectations.

Notably, more than half of the students identified support from friends and family as their primary resource for coping with stress, rather than seeking professional help.

The survey findings indicate that increased pressure on teenagers primarily stems from three areas: managing schoolwork, communicating with parents, and navigating interpersonal relationships.

Additionally, the research team believes that sleep serves as a key indicator of personal well-being, noting that “adequate rest time is crucial,” as middle school students who get more rest generally report higher levels of well-being compared to their peers.

In the findings, the study team recommends that schools and families reduce test-oriented homework, increase students’ rest and exercise time, and incorporate personalized career planning.

The report suggests that students may benefit from expressing their feelings, maintaining sufficient rest, and seeking professional support when needed.

It also recommends that parents and educational institutions enhance mental health education, improve awareness of available psychological resources, and provide guidance on coping strategies to support student well-being.