More Singaporeans keen to learn about mental health and seek help

Stigma remains a concern – a CNA survey found that 66 per cent of respondents in Singapore were concerned about the stigma surrounding mental health.

Ms Poh’s organisation, which advocates mental health, has got creative in sending its message across and starting conversations.

The charity organisation has partnered with theatre group The Necessary Stage for a few years in plays such as Off Centre and Acting Mad, which have been described as “taking an honest and unflinching look at mental illness and the stigma surrounding it”.

During those plays, Silver Ribbon volunteers stand by as mental health responders for audience members who might be affected by the themes.

“There’s a need to customise our events according to different target audiences to get their attention, and to provide a platform for everybody to discuss about mental health, so that they know where to seek help and where to refer their loved ones to,” Ms Poh said.

MISCONCEPTIONS, STIGMA SURROUNDING MENTAL HEALTH

Although things are improving on the awareness front, misconceptions remain, the experts said.

Such misconceptions need to be addressed, as they might deter some from seeking help, said Dr Lim.

“It’s quite common to hear young patients or parents ask if being diagnosed with a mental illness means they have to take medications, and if these medications will be lifelong,” said Dr Lim.

“Very often, treatment doesn’t necessarily involve medication. There are effective psychological therapies for many conditions as well. And even if a person is started on medication, it is not common for them to require the medication lifelong.”

Dr Lim added that sensational portrayals of persons with mental illness in the media could mislead the public to see them as dangerous or violent, when such cases are “few and far between”.

“In fact, most individuals with mental illnesses are actually not aggressive, violent or dangerous,” said Dr Lim. “So many of them yearn to lead a normal, regular life like each and every one of us. And if given proper treatment, a chance to, they can.”

However, with more information readily available and misconceptions easing, the situation is improving.

Dr Lim gave an example of parents who were more likely to be hesitant to get their child a medical certificate from IMH in the past, as they were afraid that their child would be shunned.

“Some parents were previously hesitant about letting the schools know about their child seeking help as they were worried that these students may be isolated by their friends or teachers,” he said. “But today, schools can offer so much more support. You find parents being very much more willing to share information.”

Watch the CNA Leadership Summit live on 10 October 2022 from 1.30pm SGT via cna.asia/leadership-summit.