The National Institute of Mental Health has recently received a number of students who have suffered from mental disorders or serious depression, and potential suicide attempts after returning home from studying abroad.
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Recognising her unusual symptoms, her parents persuaded her to go to see a doctor. Her mother was really shocked when her daughter confessed to the doctor that she had considered committing suicide many times. She was diagnosed as suffering from depression five years ago when she first arrived in Australia. She sometimes smokes and takes sleeping pills when she finds it difficult to sleep.
Doctor Nguyen Van Dung said this was a typical case of depression. Luckily, she had visited the hospital before it was too late. However, she often attempts to avoid taking her medication and insists she isn’t suffering a medical illness, but instead is suffering from an emotional disorder.
Doctor Dung said sending children to study abroad without careful preparation could be blamed on parents who had not adequately prepared their children for the higher levels of psychological problems and stress they might face, including homesickness, difficulties in language and culture.
Doctor Trinh Bich Huyen from the institute shared Doctor Dung’s views, saying that parents should ensure their children are mature enough before sending them abroad to study.
The rate of students and pupils with mental health disorders is higher than other groups, with up to 14-15% of pupils and students suffering from depression; while the rate among other groups stands at just 8-12%.
