In 2010, the first Singapore Mental Health study was conducted, and revealed that 9.3 per cent of Singapore residents would suffer from at least one mood or anxiety disorder in their adult lifetimes.

The study revealed that Major Depressive Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder were among the most common mental health conditions in Singapore.

Social stigma of mental illness

Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong addressed the issue in a written reply to a Parliamentary Question on Nov. 7.

He stated that people with mental health issues suffered from social stigma, which could discourage them from seeking treatment for their conditions.

Social perceptions of mental illness was the focus of a study conducted by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), called the Mental Health Literacy Study, which was completed in 2016.

Help for those who need it

Going forward, mental health issues won't be swept under the carpet.

"Government agencies, healthcare providers and community partners have been working together on efforts to reduce the stigma of mental health conditions and encourage help-seeking."

The National Council of Social Services (NCSS) has been tasked to conduct a multi-year public education campaign to promote a more inclusive society for persons with mental health conditions.

And the enhanced Community Mental Health Masterplan, announced in 2017, will be implemented to strengthen community-based care for persons with mental health conditions.

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In the past, people with mental health issues were often looked upon with fear, and they were shunned. It made it difficult for them to find a job and become productive members of society.

As our understanding of mental health increases, we should come to view it in the same way we do physical health - if we're hurt and in pain, seek help from a doctor. There's no shame in doing so.

• Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444
• Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
• Institute of Mental Health’s mobile crisis service: 6389-2222
• Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800
• Silver Ribbon: 6386-1928
• Tinkle Friend (for primary school-aged children): 1800-274-4788

Top image from Pixabay.