Mind the Gap: Bridging Singapore’s Mental Health Divide
How are existing workplace initiatives helping and are there any future strategies?
Benjamin Lee
Mental Health Correspondent
Mental Health in Singapore
SINGAPORE - Regarding deep-rooted stigma. that the demand for more
the stigma and misconceptions In response to the question comprehensive mental health
of mental health in Singapore, of how workplaces in training for managers and
Mr. Yap noted that many Singapore are supporting having a supportive culture
people think of mental health employees' mental health, Mr. still persist to this day.
issues as a sign of weakness Yap concludes that more and He also disclosed that
and not as important as more workplaces have “high caseloads, burnout, and
physical health. recognised the importance of the need for ongoing training”
To address these mental health of their are some of the challenges
misconceptions, he suggested employees and have faced by mental health
having constant public implemented the Employee professionals.
education, open discussions, Assistance Programs (EAPs), These challenges can be
as well as sharing personal Flexible Work Arrangements mitigated by increasing the
stories to normalise mental (FWAs), and mental health number of professionals in the
health struggles. days. mental health sector,
Additionally, Singapore EAPs are an initiative by providing them with better
has been advancing its mental the Singapore Counselling support and supervision, and
health support through Centre (SCC), which offers by encouraging self-care
initiatives we mention below counselling services to among practitioners.
and community programs employees of corporate Mr. Yap revealed that
aimed at improving access to companies. there are successful campaigns
care and fostering a more EAPs aim to raise employee like “Beyond The Label” by
supportive environment. happiness, productivity, the National Council of Social
Despite these efforts, efficiency morale, and Service (NCSS) to reduce the
challenges remain in fully retention, whilst decreasing stigma and introduce mental Above: Survey finds 2 in 5 Singaporeans struggle from mental health issues
integrating mental health care absenteeism and sick leave. health education in schools. Credit: Straits Times Files
and combating Mr. Yap further stressed
Are schools equipped to handle students' mental health needs? Key mental health If you are facing mental
Mental health is
health issues, Mr. Yap
Friends, family, and co- obstacles you should know encourages you to take the not a
first step in asking for help by
destination but
workers can have a heavy
Faith Rachel Lim
Left: Mother influence on an individual to Assistant Journalist
“emphasising that mental
consouling her
daughter
seek help with their supportive
Obstacles to mental health
health is just as important as a process.
Credits: attitudes, while a negative physical health.”
[Link] services like long wait times in He also advised that
attitude and social stigma can
between appointments and seeking help is a form of
dissuade them from seeking
costly treatments can be strength, and that there are
the help that they need, said
detrimental to patients, many resources available to The Lion Mind Operations
Mr. Yap.
especially to those that come support you. Manager, Mr. Yap Weiren’s
Khairul Anwar He concludes with this final statement on mental health
from a low income
sentence “Promoting
background, outlined Mr.
understanding and empathy is
Yap.
In a recent email interview key.”
Mr. Yap feels that more He then went on to explain
with Mr. Yap Weiren, an
Operations Director from The
can be done, especially in I feel that more can that there is a current shortage
of mental health specialists for
Lion Mind, he concurs and
terms of lowering the stigma
be done, specific mental health diseases
attached to it and making sure
reveals that the youths in
that early help is rendered. especially in terms like eating disorders, trauma,
Singapore are predominantly
of lowering the
He further shared that and addiction.
struggling with mental health Mr. Yap further elaborated
educators can play a vital role
concerns such as anxiety,
in the promotion of mental stigma attached to that children and adolescents
depression, academic stress,
[mental health]
health awareness by creating a seeking mental health services
and social issues like find it difficult as mental
supportive environment
cyberbullying and the impact
incorporating mental health and making sure health care for them is
of social media.
that early help is
education into their lessons, lacking, which in turn,
While the current mental contributes to the rising rates
and reconising students who
health programmes and
may need further assistance rendered of depression and anxiety
Above: According to an Ipsos Singapore 2023 report, almost
initiatives in schools are among youths.
and referring them to the half (49%) of the Singaporeans surveyed felt depressed to
making headway via mental There is also an inadequate the extent of being sad and hopeless almost everyday, with
correct support services.
health education and more amount of qualified mental bouts of depression lasting for several weeks at a time.
counselling resources, Credits: IPSOS Singapore
health professionals to
The Lion Mind Operations Manager, address the needs of diverse Helplines:
Mr. Yap Weiren
cultural and ethnic groups,
when asked on youths' mental health Mental well-being
concludes Mr. Yap.
Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 (24 hours) /1-767 (24 hours)
Your mental well-being Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
journey begins with one Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
step Women’s Helpline: 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)
Neo Yijie
Counselling
Photojournalist
TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
As shared by Mr. Yap TOUCH Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555
Care Corner Counselling Centre: 6353-1180
earlier, a supportive Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366
environment for the mental
health patient can be created Online resources
[Link]/mindline-sg
if their families and
[Link]
communities educate [Link]
themselves about mental [Link]
remain, non-judgemental, [Link] (for those aged 13 to 25)
[Link]/talk (for those aged 12 to 25)
listen actively, and encourage
them to seek professional help
