Research shows that approximately half of all mental health conditions emerge by age 14, with 75% developing in the following decade. Among adolescents, mental health conditions now account for 15% of the global health conditions — a ratio significantly intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic
A white paper by Z Zurich Foundation,a charitable foundation funded by various members of the Zurich Insurance Group, outlines a vision for the APAC region that need to prioritize the mental health and wellbeing of young people.
The report, The State of Youth Mental Wellbeing in Asia-Pacific Region – A Case for Investing in Prevention and Promotion, examines the necessary steps for achieving systemic change at regional, national, and local levels, considering the region’s unique diversity.
The APAC region includes East Asia (e.g. China, Japan, South Korea), Southeast Asia (e.g. Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines), South Asia (e.g. India, Nepal, Sri Lanka), the Pacific Islands and Australasia (Australia and New Zealand). Despite differences in culture, geography, income levels and health systems, countries across the region face common barriers to youth mental health.
The state of youth mental health in this region underscores the urgent need for investment in prevention and promotion initiatives. These are essential for driving systemic change in youth mental wellbeing and positively impact young people everywhere they are.
Across the APAC region, young people aged 13 to 24 are navigating a critical period marked by evolving social identities, transitions through education, and early entry into the workforce.
With more than 750 million young people aged 15 to 24 across South Asia, East Asia,
and the Pacific, this group represents both immense potential and heightened vulnerability.
Research shows that approximately half of all mental health conditions emerge by age 14, with 75% developing in the following decade. Among adolescents, mental health
conditions now account for 15% of the global health conditions — a ratio significantly intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Underinvestment, lack of youth-friendly services and stigma prevents many from seeking help, especially those from marginalized groups while services remain unevenly distributed with rural and low-income areas consistently underserved
When left unaddressed, these conditions cast long shadows into adulthood, undermining education, employment, relationships, and in some cases, increasing risks of criminal involvement and persistent economic hardship.
Promotion initiatives aim to create supportive environments that enhance psychological wellbeing by improving emotional literacy and empowering youth with positive coping mechanisms.
Prevention focuses on identifying and mitigating risk factors for mental health conditions, addressing determinants to minimize the onset of these conditions for the most vulnerable groups.
The mental health and wellbeing of young people in the APAC region is at a critical juncture, calling for immediate and sustained action. The current landscape is marked by significant challenges, including underinvestment, stigma, and a lack of youth-friendly services.
In an incredibly diverse region, encompassing a wide range of contexts, there is growing recognition that prevention and promotion are the most effective strategies for youth mental wellbeing. The cultural and linguistic diversity presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Through contextualizing and implementing relevant, accessible interventions, we can meet the unique needs of youth in different settings.
Across APAC, there are encouraging signs of progress and active involvement from multisector stakeholders. Vietnam has implemented full-time counselors in all schools, Thailand’s national plan promotes cross-sector collaboration, and Malaysia is developing a national strategy for child and adolescent mental health. Innovative mental wellbeing programs are making a tangible difference, such as school-based programs in New Zealand, peer support networks in Thailand, and sports initiatives in Australia and the Pacific Island nations.
These initiatives show that by investing in preventive measures and promoting mental wellbeing, we can create supportive environments that nurture the potential of every young individual.
The mental wellbeing of young people cannot be attributed to a single actor. Achieving transformative change at scale is possible when governments, private funders, civil society, and young people work together with a shared vision. This close collaboration brings together the resources and policy support of governments, the innovation and flexibility of private funders, the cultural insight of communities, and the lived experience of young people. Together, they form a foundation for lasting, system-wide change.
The time for fragmented solutions is over.
“We must align across sectors, accelerate collaboration among decision makers, scale proven approaches and invest in systems that place young people at the center.The future of the Asia Pacific depends on it. Together, we can create a future where young people not only survive but thrive—mentally, emotionally and socially prepared to navigate an increasingly complex world.” says the report.
With the right investments and approaches, all the stakeholders have an unprecedented opportunity to support the mental wellbeing of young people across the APAC region, laying a strong foundation for brighter futures for an entire generation and the societies they will help shape.