Mental Health

“I don't feel that it is necessary to know exactly what I am. The main interest in life and work is to become someone else that you were not in the beginning."

― Michel Foucault, French philosopher and social theorist

There is no health without mental health.

Definitions

Mental Health

According to the WHO (2018), mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual can:

Realise his/her abilities
Cope with the normal stresses of life
Work productively
Have the ability to contribute to the community

Mental Disorders

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a mental disorder is characterised by clinically significant disturbances in a person’s behaviour, thinking or feeling that suggest dysfunction in psychological, biological or developmental processes underlying mental functioning.

Mental disorders are usually associated with significant distress or disability in social, occupational or other important activities.

As a rule of thumb, it satisfies three criteria:

Deviance : Serious deviation from the social norms of the culture
Distress : Causes significant personal distress in social, occupational or other recreational activities
Dysfunction : Behaviour which interferes with the ability of a person to function effectively

Background and History of Mental Health in Singapore

Important Statistics

According to findings from the Singapore Mental Health Study (2016):

Comparing with the 2010 study, there was an increase in lifetime prevalence of mental illness from 12% in 2010 to 13.9% in 2016.
1 in 7 people in Singapore has experienced these disorders in their lifetime ( __% of the adult population 18y/o and above):
- Mood disorders: Major depressive disorder (6.3%), bipolar disorder (1.6%)
- Anxiety disorders: Obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalised anxiety disorder (OCD+GAD = 4.8%)
- Alcohol use disorders: Alcohol abuse/dependence
Those aged 18 – 34 years, divorced or separated were more likely to have mood disorders
Alcohol Abuse and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder are highly common in Singapore.

Issues Faced by People with Mental Health Issues

Issue 1:

Existing Resources

Gaps and Their Causes

Possible Solutions

Resource Directory

Hotlines

Hotline / Helpline	Who is it for?	Day	Times	Telephone
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)	Anybody in crisis and the suicidal.	Daily	24 hours	1800 – 2214444
Mental Health Helpline	Those suffering from psychological and psychiatric problems	Daily	24 hours	6389-2222
SAMH Helpline	For people who have psychological, psychiatric or social problem and others who need information on services for such persons	Mon – Fri	9am – 5pm	1800 – 2837019
Hotline 800	Mandarin speaking community with family marital and personal problem	Mon – Sun	10am – 9pm	1800 - 3535800
AMP Hotline	Malay / Muslim families in crisis or those who need help	Mon – Fri	10am – 5pm	6416-3960
Club HEAL	For Malay / Muslim individuals or families who require assistance with or support for mental health concerns	Mon – Fri	9am – 5pm	6899-3463
Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA)	Indian families in need of assistance or counselling	Mon – Fri Sat	9am – 5pm 9am – 1pm	1800-295-4554
Aware Helpline	Women with a variety of concerns	Mon – Fri	3pm – 9.30pm	1800-774-5935
Counselling & Care Centre	For individuals, couple and families experiencing psychological, marital or family problems	Mon – Fri	8.30am – 5pm	6536-63