A recent study published in Global Mental Health by Cambridge University investigated the prevalence and determinants of mental health problems among school-going adolescents in Sri Lanka. The research covered 2,163 students aged 13–17 from both urban and rural areas, aiming to map out how widespread mental health issues are and what factors contribute most.
Key insights
- One in three adolescents (32%) experienced some form of mental health difficulty.
- Depression and anxiety were the most common issues reported.
- Girls showed higher vulnerability to emotional distress compared to boys.
- Students from low-income families, and those facing academic pressure or family conflict, were significantly more likely to report mental health problems.
- Limited school-based counselling and awareness programs contribute to the issue going unnoticed or untreated.
These findings underline a growing mental health crisis in Sri Lankan schools. The study highlights that while the academic system emphasizes grades and discipline, it often overlooks emotional well-being — leading to long-term social and educational consequences. Without proper interventions, this invisible crisis could shape an entire generation’s potential and happiness.
If mental health is just as important as physical health — why isn’t it treated that way in our schools yet?