Deputy women, family and community development minister Noraini Ahmad said this was proven based on the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022, Bernama reported.

She said the report indicated that 26.9% of teenagers met the criteria for depression, with a higher prevalence among females at 36.1% compared with 17.7% among males.

“This highlights the greater vulnerability of teenage girls to depression,” she said at the 2025 International Women’s Day (southern zone) celebration held in Johor Bahru today.

Noraini said the Strong Will, Healthy Women campaign launched in conjunction with the celebration aims to promote emotional resilience and overall wellbeing among women.

She hopes to empower women to remain competitive and continue contributing to their families, community and the nation.

She said her ministry is committed to implementing various initiatives to support women’s health, including stress management and achieving a balanced life.

“Psychosocial support programmes, counselling services and mental health initiatives have also been expanded to ensure all women, regardless of background, receive the necessary assistance,” she said.