Rising Exam Pressure Drives More Students in Singapore to Seek Mental Health Support
In Singapore, students’ pursuit of psychological support due to academic pressure has increased markedly in recent years. Psychologists and clinics report that since 2021, applications related to exam stress have risen by up to 20 percent annually. Experts emphasize that another notable trend is that the source of pressure is increasingly stemming from students’ own expectations rather than external demands.
According to clinical data, whereas applications in the past tended to cluster around major examination periods, there is now a steady flow of cases throughout the year. One clinic stated that it receives an average of 12 to 15 new student patients each month, noting that many students seek help out of fear of disappointing their parents.
Experts point out that social media has become a significant factor intensifying academic pressure. Constantly comparing their achievements with others deepens students’ feelings of inadequacy and reinforces the perception that they must cope with their difficulties alone. Psychologists note that exam stress is not limited to temporary anxiety; it can lead to more serious mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, self-harm behaviors, and a tendency toward various addictions. In some severe cases, early signs of psychotic symptoms have also been observed among adolescents.
According to expert assessments, while academic pressure in previous years was more often driven by families and teachers, many parents today report satisfaction as long as their children do their best. Nevertheless, students with highly successful parents, in particular, tend to place heavy expectations on themselves, equating failure with bringing shame on their families.