From Stigma to Support: Shifting conversations around mental health in Singapore

Pamela, social worker:  As a SAMH YouthReach social worker, Pamela works with youths and families to minimise risks and tend to their well-being.

I-Lin, counsellor: As a SAMH counsellor, I-Lin provides clients with strategies to boost their self-esteem, confidence, mental or emotional wellbeing, while building skills to handle current and future challenges.

Kang Qi, psychologist: As a registered psychologist, Kang Qi provides psychological services to assist individuals at SAMH with enduring mental health conditions, facilitating their recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration into the community.

Societal and cultural norms can influence help-seeking behavior

Kang Qi (psychologist): I think people may not realise that the non-stop pursuit of success can contribute to mental distress. This makes it even more essential to address mental health concerns early on.

Pamela (social worker): A lot of people worry that their mental health challenges will be seen as weaknesses, especially in competitive environments. This often delays seeking help. With family expectations and societal norms, people might place perseverance, and self-reliance over emotional well-being.

I-Lin (counsellor): However, I’ve also noticed in recent years that more educated young adults are seeking counselling to address their issues. This is a good sign, as it suggests that they are better informed about mental health and recognise the importance of seeking help.

Common fears and misconceptions about seeking help

I-Lin (counsellor): Common fears include being labelled, judged, or worrying that seeking help will affect their employability, or that it means they are ‘unstable’. Another misconception includes not believing that counselling is helpful. They may wonder: “How can talking help?”

Pamela (social worker): We often hear people say, 'It’s just a phase, it’ll pass,' trying to appear strong and dismiss the issues they’re facing.

Kang Qi (psychologist): Others may believe that therapy is only for severe conditions, or that seeking help means that they have ‘failed’ at handling their problems on their own.

Financial constraints can be a barrier to mental health support

Pamela (social worker): For many lower- and middle-income families, the cost of seeking support is a real concern. One way that SAMH YouthReach allows mental health support programmes to be more accessible is by providing means testing on our monthly programme fees.

I-Lin (counsellor): We strive to ensure that financial limitations do not prevent anyone from accessing the support they need. If clients are facing financial constraints, we offer the option for them to contribute when they’re in a better financial position.

Recognising when to seek professional help

Kang Qi (psychologist): We all experience ups and downs. However, if an individual notices that their daily activities are significantly affected, such as trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, persistent fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or social withdrawal, it might be time to seek professional support.

Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, it’s a right. Being kind to yourself and practicing self-compassion can also help shift perspectives.

Practical ways to build emotional resilience

I-Lin (counsellor): Self-care is incredibly important, as it forms a fundamental foundation for our overall physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Our physical health has an impact on our mental and emotional health, and vice versa.

Kang Qi (psychologist): To build emotional resilience, you need to develop habits that support your mental and emotional well-being. Practicing mindfulness can help manage stress and stay present, while self-care strengthens your overall resilience.

You can also look to reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth, as this helps you learn from challenges instead of viewing them as failures.

Lastly, being able to sit with discomfort is important, as personal growth often emerges from navigating uncertainty and adversity.

Enabling help-seekers to flourish

While professionals offer the tools and guidance needed for growth, individuals must take an active role in nurturing their own mental well-being. Professionals support clients in identifying their strengths, developing coping strategies, and building their confidence to manage challenges. Getting professional help is not about being 'fixed' by someone else, but about receiving the proper care to grow in a way that works best for them.

It is also important to remember that mental health journeys are not always linear. As we move forward, shifts in societal perceptions can lead to more patience and encouraging attitudes. This can help people build strength to face their challenges, creating a safe space for all to navigate life’s difficulties with greater understanding.

Explore our Mental Well-being Resources for more tools to encourage open conversations about mental health.