Singaporean youths in their 20s are at a pivotal developmental stage where transitions in academics, relationships, and career abound. Inherent within each transition is the need to adapt, and every adjustment will present itself as stressful, regardless the extent. Despite this reality, and the growing awareness of mental health literacy in Singapore, there exists a certain hesitation when it comes to help-seeking behaviour for one’s mental distress.
According to the Singapore Mental Health Study conducted in 2016, one in seven people has experienced a mental disorder – the most prevalent being major depressive order or commonly known as depression – in their lifetime; more than three-quarters did not seek any professional help. Youths between 18 to 34 years were presented as the most vulnerable group – one in five people would have experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime.
Closer to shore, my proclivity towards mental health was piqued after I had experienced several personal losses while growing up. As I came to understand myself better, I recognised a special congruence between my personality and the counselling/mental health profession. Personal grief had inevitably sensitised my eyes to the often-invisible pain around me. It was a humble acknowledgment that, perhaps, my wounds and brokenness were the true virtues that qualified me as an effective source of healing towards others, not the absence of them.
I am no expert on active citizenry but I’m constantly learning about mental health issues. Mental health is very complicated and ever-changing. The term itself has become so overused and familiar that its meaning is somewhat diluted. When it comes to topics such as suicide and mental health in Singapore, there is still considerable stigma – the fear of being judged or associated with negative stereotypes which may result in youths hiding their struggles.
Thus, there is always more to learn regardless of the circumstances, or the issues involved. Youths seem to be more open to sharing with their peers than adults, especially their parents. Here are a few things I’ve practiced that can help you in your mental health active citizenry efforts.
Be Emotionally Prepared
It takes strength to advocate for mental health. Yet, this is a strength that regular people can and do possess. To share your weakness is to make yourself vulnerable; to make yourself vulnerable is to show your courage. We need to normalise the notion of helping; that one does not need to be professionally certified in order to help someone. All it takes is personal willingness – just do it.
Comforters must also be prepared to let the pain of another become your own and so let it transform you. You will never be the same after that decision. Your world may be permanently altered by the presence of one who suffers. We are changed because we chose to get involved and to allow another's sufferings to become ours. We refused to stand on the side-lines, where it is convenient, safe, and comfortable. So, we approach, though often unsure of what to say, but sure that it will demand some form of sacrifice. We still do, and in time, we too will emerge a different person from the one who came before. With attention to detail and being prepared to shoulder the extra burden, people like us can go a long way with effective active citizenry.
Be Relatable
Not everyone's experiences or symptoms are the same. Even if I have walked down a similar path, it does not mean I have walked down your path. There's a unique world that each of us inhibits because no one has had the exact same set of experiences as you have had. No matter how close we try to relate to another person, there's something, some space that can never be bridged. It is essential, therefore, to tailor the help we render to the specific audience in order to be more relatable.
Be Respectful
You will encounter a diverse range of people including those of different age groups, ethnicities, diagnoses, faiths, sexual orientations, or gender identities. They can also include people dealing with the criminal justice system, individuals battling addiction or who have co-occurring mental health conditions, suicide survivors or victims of loss, veterans, as well as loved ones of those with mental illness. These are the people that need advocates who respect, empathise, and understand their uniqueness.
I need to be mindful that certain mental health topics, such as suicide, are not easy for everyone to understand, accept or handle on their own. Some suicide attempt survivors, and especially survivors of suicide loss, have a difficult time with this issue simply because it can be triggering and very emotional.
By exercising sensitivity and caution in my writing, my attitude, and community service volunteering, I can create a more positive environment for mental health acceptance, raise awareness, and set a lasting example for others to respect and follow.
And lastly, Be Persistent. Remind oneself, I can do this. I can choose life. I should choose it. I am meant to be here. I own this moment, same as any of you can, too. Aren’t we, after all, wounded too?
Of course, the above mentioned are just some of the practices we can do as active citizens to champion mental health among the youths in Singapore. Notwithstanding, one of the best ways to enhance our effectiveness as mental health advocates is to also have the courage to share our own lived experiences – the good, but also the bad. Although our sphere of influence is often small, yet when we choose to take the risk and show our vulnerability by telling our stories, we can slowly move the needle and begin normalising the conversations, debunking the stigmas, and encourage a greater acceptance of those who often suffer in silence.
Like all good endeavours, advocating for mental health should start with the individual, but it shouldn’t end there. As I write this, I’m also keenly aware of the reality on the ground. Our overall societal perception of mental health in Singapore has certainly improved over the years, no less spring boarded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, we still fall behind many other countries in this regard. We need more than just ripples on the sea; we need strong undercurrents to move the boat. More can certainly be done if we lobby our leaders to take the lead in prioritising mental health in their policies. Ultimately, it would not matter how hard we scream from the outside; real change happens in the parliament. I’m encouraged to note the formation of the Interagency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-being chaired by the Senior Minister of State, Dr. Janil Puthucheary. The Health Promotion Board (HPB) recently also kicked off the inaugural national mental wellbeing campaign, “It’s OKAY to Reach Out”. These initiatives signal that the tide is turning, and we are headed in the right direction.
Everyone Matters
If you are feeling a heightened sense of urgency to advocate for mental health, join me, Jason Huang to pledge your action today. Click here to pledge.
PitStop@YIH is more than just an established mental health resource both online and physical, there is a team of community navigators that goes beyond “just information”. The initiative provides:
- An opportunity for peer support to reach out to NUS students to talk about open and honest perspectives on a highly misunderstood topic
- A chance to ask peers questions, allowing for a deeper understanding of mental health topics and dispelling of stereotypes and misconceptions
- Information on how to learn more about mental health and get involved with the mental health community
| About Orange & Blue (OB) Marker |
| “Mental Wellness in the Institutes of Higher Learning Community” is the first of a series of “Orange & Blue (OB) Marker” articles contributed by the NUS community. The series explore how active citizenry can be encouraged through education and community action. |
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Jason Huang, Student Wellness, Office of Student Affairs
