SHAH ALAM, Aug 3 — Some 422 students have received psychological and counselling support from the Selangor Counselling Centre (PKS) between 2020 and May this year.
Its coordinator Faridah Abdul Jalil @ Abas said that academic pressure was identified as the primary issue affecting this group, which includes primary and secondary school students as well as those in tertiary education institutions.
Students aged 13 to 15 often struggle with adjustment issues, while those aged 15 and above tend to face greater academic stress.
“PKS has also identified three main issues frequently raised by students: conflicts with parents and peers, confusion in understanding themselves, including their personality and skills, and psychopathological problems, which refer to mental health disorders requiring referral to professional specialists,” she told Media Selangor.
Faridah added that many students choose to bottle up their problems, believing that parents and teachers are more likely to judge than to listen.
The fear of being labelled as weak or scolded continues to fuel stigma surrounding mental health among students.
As such, she urged parents not to focus solely on academic performance, but to also prioritise the development of soft skills and self-management.
“It is important to remember that not all stress is bad. Some stress can be a positive ‘push factor’ that motivates students to do their best.
"But when it becomes excessive, it can be harmful,” Faridah said.
