Mental Health in Singapore: The Current Situation, Solutions and Relation with Covid
The mental health of Singaporeans is at a disturbing level. The mental disorder rate has gone up over the past few years, and the experts believe that Covid has influenced this increase. What can we do to improve our mental health? In this article, I will talk about what the current situation in Singapore is like, why people are developing more mental disorders than before, and how Covid influences it all.

1. What is mental health, and how does it relate to our society today?
The state of our inner self is our mental health. It includes psychological, emotional, and of course, social well-being. It is strongly reflected in our society. Mental illness affects people from every corner of the world and all walks of life. Many factors contribute to mental conditions such as genetics, environment, loneliness, stress, etc.; they cannot be narrowed down into one category because each case is unique. Every living man or woman has their mental illness, and we must respect each subject equally.
Myths have always been a problem when it comes to Mental Health because they hinder our understanding of the condition. The first myth is that people with mental illnesses are dangerous; in reality, many individuals suffering from various disorders want help to improve their lives but cannot get access due to stigma or not knowing the matter. Another common misconception is that only those severely affected by mental health would be diagnosed as mentally ill, but this isn’t true either! People at every level can suffer from such conditions. It’s also essential for us all to know that no one deserves any less love just because he suffers from mental disorders.
2. Mental Health in Singapore – The Current Situation
According to the Singapore Association for Mental Health, about one in four people suffer from some form of mental disorder. The most common conditions we see in Singapore are depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. In the last decade, the rates of mental disorders have increased by almost 50%. And as for the suicide rate, it has gone up by 20% in the past decade. The current situation is scary, and many people are not aware that they need help until their symptoms worsen to a point where they can’t manage them anymore.
3. Mental Health Issues in Singapore – Solutions

In Singapore, the Singapore Association for Mental Health is working to establish its vision- “Mental Wellness for All” as a reality in Singapore. They are currently working on the following:
- Seeking to expand their mental health services towards more vulnerable groups
- Working with partners and stakeholders to make sure that individuals can access care when they need it, rather than having to wait for an appointment
- Offering training sessions so more people will know how best to support those who may be living with a mental illness or disorder (currently only 30% of staff)
Most importantly, they’re also trying to eliminate the stigma around mental disorders by providing information about what these illnesses entail and countering myths surrounding them. With this approach, we all can achieve Mental Health for All!
4. How is Covid-19 related to mental disorders in Singapore?

During this recent pandemic, the world has seen a steep increase in mental disorders. 70% of people are experiencing lower income. Many lost their jobs, went bankrupt, and spent their savings. Many people in Singapore seek help for their mental health issues during this time. Covid-19 is related to mental disorders in Singapore because it can cause anxiety, depression, or hallucinations, leading to the risk of developing a mental illness.
5. Why is there a need for mental health awareness campaigns in Singapore?
Due to the increase in mental disorders, many have to suffer from this daily. But what are the solutions? There is a need for people who have mental illness and their families and society, in general, to be aware of the current situation with a mental health awareness campaign. The government will take various measures, such as improving resources available in our healthcare system, including developing more psychiatric beds or integrating care programs like the Early Intervention Programme (EIP) into public hospitals across Singapore. Besides that, we should also provide better support for those affected by emotional stresses caused by work-related problems and improve social support networks through family members, friends, and community partners.