“It’s like waves and waves of sadness...you feel like the world is not a place for you.” Reported in a CNA article, this account by a health service associate of the feeling of being clinically depressed is not uncommon amongst the Singapore population, where a shocking one in seven people have experienced mental health conditions at least once in their lifetime. Being lauded by Forbes as an “international model for mental health”, Singapore still has major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder sitting on the throne of the top 5 most prevalent disabilities in the country. Singapore has much more to do to prove itself worthy of the applause it is receiving, especially in terms of dispelling self and social stigma surrounding mental health.
A simple Google search of the word “stigma” will produce primary results pertaining to mental health, showing how mental health conditions are chained by the shackles of social discrimination and disgrace. A 2017 Singapore study found almost 45% of respondents associated mental illnesses with derogatory terms like “weird” and “dangerous” while in September 2021, efforts to raise mental health awareness on social media, by an 18-year-old just discharged from hospital, received negative comments from her peers, including calling her attention-seeking. It is atrocious to learn that a first-world country like Singapore still treats its mental health patients with a lack of respect and dignity that they deserve. This makes it unjustly challenging to seek mental help compared to other medical treatments. BMC Psychiatry reported that factors affecting stigma surrounding mental health conditions in Singapore range from negative portrayal by the media and Asian values to elitist mindsets and dismissal of mental illness as a real condition. Cultural factors like the Chinese culture of “face” and the Islamic beliefs about spiritual possession play a role in stigmatising mental health conditions too.
Mental health conditions are common and normal. The key to reducing stigma of mental health conditions is open dialogue and understanding, as claimed by experts. Though true, these methods often seem like big words and far-off ideals. For the normal layman, there are three simple ways to care for those who need mental support and to reduce mental health stigma.
1. Be sensitive and perceptive. Approach those around you who may seem out of character and start the conversation to enquire about their wellbeing. Remember to ask twice. Research shows that “How are you?” often prompts only a meaningless exchange. If you are really worried about someone, try asking “Are you sure you’re ok?” or “How are you really?” the next time they reply that they are fine. Besides bringing to light possible mental issues that deserve attention, this is the first step to showing that there are people around who care and who are concerned.
2. Be patient and non-judgemental. When people start opening up, it is crucial to show that they can trust in you and that they have a safe space to express their thoughts and emotions. Be their listening ear by acknowledging their feelings and never enforce your own opinions onto those who are speaking. Resist the urge to provide quick fixes, just listen well. When needed, provide support and guidance in reaching out for professional help.
3. Learn the dos and don’ts. For someone in need of mental health support, phrases like “Cheer up”, “I’m sure it’ll pass” and “You’ll get over it” tend to sound dismissive and hence do not help in validating their feelings, according to a Today article. Instead, empathise with them and use phrases like “That sounds really difficult, how are you coping?”, “How do you feel about this?” and “I’m really sorry that you’re going through this.” Ask open ended questions and listen with an open mind.
It is also crucial to distinguish between mental stress and mental illness. Being stressed-out over a certain expectation or feeling anxious for a particular event fall under the category of mental stress, which is relatively short-term and does not yet require professional medical help. However, mental stress can develop into mental illness, which is when the negative emotions affect a person’s ability to carry out his normal daily routine or which results in dramatic changes in habits like not eating or staying in bed for the entire day. Mental illness requires professional help and medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.
In 2020, Singapore reported five times more deaths from suicide than transport accidents and mental disorders are the main risk factor for suicide. The blossoming public awareness about mental health reflects a positive trend in Singapore’s efforts to destigmatise mental health conditions and to provide ample support to those in need. But we need more. More light has to be shed on the importance of mental health support, more concern has to be shown and more education has to be done to normalise mental health conditions. After all, the darkness of mental illness can only be overcome with the collective torch of support and empathy from all. And it all starts from us.
photo credits: Sydney Sims, Michael Lai Denng, Priscilla Du Preez, Finn
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