Mental health issues are becoming a significant social burden in Vietnam. As anxiety, depression, and chronic stress spread, the medical community emphasizes the need for early detection and preventive measures, particularly among youth and the elderly.
On July 18, the Ho Chi Minh City Medical Association held its annual conference themed 'Mental Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach,' discussing the rising mental health issues in Vietnam and potential responses. Estimates presented at the conference indicated that approximately 15% of the Vietnamese population, or about 15 million people, experience at least one of ten major mental disorders.
Nguyen Thi Ngoc Yung, president of the Ho Chi Minh City Medical Association, diagnosed that changes in modern society are exacerbating mental health burdens. He noted that social changes, work-life pressures, and accelerated lifestyles have led to increased prevalence of anxiety disorders, depression, and chronic stress, with the onset age decreasing. He stated, "If we do not recognize, diagnose, and intervene in a timely manner, these disorders will burden not only the quality of life of patients but also the healthcare system and society as a whole."
There was also a call for a shift from treatment-focused approaches to prevention-oriented strategies. Nguyen emphasized that mental health is no longer solely a psychiatric issue, as it can manifest in various physical symptoms in clinical settings. He stressed that all healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists, should be able to recognize early warning signs.
The increase in mental disorders is not limited to specific age groups. Chu Thi Yung, head of the psychology department at the Ho Chi Minh City Psychiatric Hospital, explained that according to World Health Organization (WHO) standards, about one in four people will experience a mental health issue at least once in their lifetime. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased anxiety disorders, depression, and stress-related disorders, also affecting children and adolescents.
Key indicators in Vietnam show a notable prevalence of depression and anxiety. Based on the estimates presented, the rates of depression were 2.8%, anxiety disorders 2.6%, schizophrenia 0.4%, and substance abuse was reported at 4-5%. Chu identified common mental disorders currently observed as generalized anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), adjustment disorder, and bipolar disorder.
Adolescents have been identified as a particularly vulnerable group. A 2022 survey revealed that 21.7% of Vietnamese youth experienced at least one mental health issue, with anxiety at 18.6% and depression at 4.3%. Chu attributed these issues to academic pressure, family expectations, work stress, fast-paced lifestyles, and insufficient rest.
Among the elderly, issues of depression, anxiety, and dementia have been raised. Approximately 14% of the population aged 70 and older experience mental disorders centered around depression and anxiety, while about 8.8% live with dementia. Chu explained that the aging population is contributing to the rise in depression and dementia among older adults.
Mental health risks are also linked to social vulnerabilities. Chu noted that women, the elderly, low-income individuals, those with lower education levels, substance abusers, and victims of domestic violence are relatively at higher risk. Notably, women have higher rates of anxiety and depression than men, with about 10% of pregnant and postpartum women showing symptoms of mental disorders.
Changes in living environments are also cited as risk factors. Economic crises, infectious diseases, and natural disasters can lead to long-term anxiety and stress. Increased interactions through social media, rather than face-to-face conversations, can foster comparison, leading to decreased self-esteem, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and loneliness. Factors such as poverty, substance abuse, domestic violence, lack of social support, and accessibility to drugs and prohibited substances are also identified as risk enhancers.
Mental disorders affect not only emotions but also overall daily functioning. Symptoms may include sleep disturbances, decreased concentration, and social withdrawal, making it difficult to maintain academic and work performance and interpersonal relationships. Additionally, Chu stated, "Current treatments should not only focus on symptom relief but also aim for holistic care that combines medication, psychotherapy, and support from family and the community."
The conference included experts from various institutions, such as the Ho Chi Minh City Health Department, Ho Chi Minh City Psychiatric Hospital, and Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy. The meeting aimed to address mental health as a collective issue that requires attention from multiple medical disciplines, sharing trends in diagnosis, treatment, and care approaches.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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