Understanding the Rise in Mental Health Help-Seeking Among Singaporeans

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the number of Singaporeans seeking professional help for mental health issues. In 2023 alone, the prevalence of mental issues rose 15% from 13.4 in 2020, with as much as 85.4% of adults between the ages of 18 and 39 years being most likely to seek mental support. 

This shift reflects growing awareness, societal changes, and more accessible resources, all of which contribute to a culture where mental health care is more accepted, available, and covered by health insurance. 

In this Pacific Prime CXA article, we’ve listed the key developments behind this growing trend and its implications:

1. Increased Awareness and Reduced Stigma

The rise in mental health support-seeking among Singaporeans can be attributed to several factors, one of the most prominent being the increasing awareness of mental health issues. 

Campaigns such as the Health Promotion Board’s “It’s OKAY to Reach Out” and the National Council of Social Service’s “Beyond the Label” movement have significantly contributed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health problems.

These campaigns, which aim to normalize conversations around mental health, have made it easier for individuals to seek help without fear of judgment. For example, “It’s OKAY to Reach Out” promotes the importance of early intervention, encouraging people to address mental health concerns before they escalate. 

Similarly, “Beyond the Label” works to dismantle stereotypes about mental illness, supporting community efforts and public discourse to foster a more understanding and supportive environment.

In terms of results, these public initiatives have gradually shifted societal attitudes, particularly among younger generations. One notable change is a broader acceptance of therapy, counseling, and other forms of professional mental health support, which has translated into more people actively seeking these services. 

The campaigns have also been supported by digital mental health platforms and increased access to mental health services across Singapore, as seen through partnerships like the Mental Health General Practitioner Partnership (MHGPP).

2. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

It is undeniable that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated mental health challenges for many, leading to increased demand for mental health services. As people faced prolonged isolation, economic uncertainty, and health anxieties, more individuals who had previously coped on their own found themselves needing professional support.

In fact, the number of calls to mental health hotlines and services surged significantly during the pandemic period, highlighting the mental health crisis brought on by the global health emergency. This global increase in demand for mental health support has culminated in international initiatives among governments to offer high-quality and affordable mental health services. 

3. Government Initiatives to Improve Access

The Singaporean government has responded by making mental health services more accessible and integrated. Initiatives such as the Mental Health General Practitioner Partnership (MHGPP) program have increased the number of GPs trained in mental health care. 

Additionally, community outreach teams and digital platforms now offer more immediate support for individuals in need. With more touchpoints and easier access to care, more Singaporeans feel empowered to seek help early.

4. Changes in Workplace Mental Health Support

Workplaces in Singapore are also increasingly acknowledging the importance of mental health support for employees. Campaigns such as “Take Time to Take Care“ emphasize promoting well-being in professional environments, encouraging employers to provide psychological resources and support systems. 

As mental health literacy continues to grow, employers have begun to integrate employee wellness programs, including mental health leave and counseling services, fostering a more supportive environment for working adults. This shift in the workplace dynamic has also contributed to making mental health care more accessible and acceptable.

5. Youth and School-Based Initiatives

Singaporean schools are increasingly prioritizing mental health education and resilience-building among students. In recent years, efforts have been made to foster mental health literacy and emotional well-being as a core part of the educational experience. 

These initiatives aim to normalize conversations around mental health and equip young people with the tools to manage their emotional challenges early on.

One notable example is the inclusion of mental health education in school curricula, designed to raise awareness and reduce stigma. Students are taught to recognize the signs of mental distress, fostering a culture of openness and support. 

Peer support systems have also been implemented, where trained students assist their peers in navigating emotional difficulties. These programs not only provide early intervention opportunities but also encourage a communal approach to mental well-being.

Moreover, resilience-building programs, such as those focusing on mindfulness and emotional regulation, are being integrated into daily school activities. These initiatives help students develop coping strategies for managing stress and improving their emotional resilience in the face of academic and social pressures. For instance, schools have partnered with mental health organizations to provide workshops and resources, creating a more structured approach to mental health care.

6. Challenges and Barriers to Care

Despite these advancements, certain barriers remain. Affordability continues to be a challenge for many Singaporeans, particularly when it comes to private mental health services. While public mental health care is subsidized, private consultations and treatments can still be costly, which may deter some individuals from seeking timely help. 

Additionally, navigating the wide range of mental health services can be overwhelming, particularly for those in crisis. The complexity of options available underscores the need for greater clarity in service provision and for continued efforts to make mental health care more affordable for all.

Listed below are the key barriers associated with access to mental health care: 

Affordability of Private Mental Health Services: While public healthcare services offer subsidized mental health care, private treatment costs remain prohibitive for many. Private therapy or consultations can range from SGD 80 to SGD 200 per session, making consistent care expensive, particularly for long-term needs. For many Singaporeans, these high costs deter them from seeking care at private clinics, even when public services may have long waiting times.
Navigating the Complex Mental Health System: The wide array of services, from general practitioners to specialized psychiatrists and mental health institutions, can overwhelm individuals in crisis. For those seeking immediate help, the maze of options often adds to the stress, as it becomes difficult to determine the most appropriate provider for their needs. More coordination and clearer guidance on available services are necessary to help individuals in crisis find timely and appropriate care.
Waiting Times in Public Services: Even though public services are more affordable, they often come with long waiting times for both initial consultations and follow-up appointments. This is particularly challenging for individuals in urgent need of mental health support, as waiting for care can exacerbate their conditions. A lack of mental health professionals to meet growing demand is partly to blame for these delays.
Limited Awareness of Subsidized Options: Many people may not be aware of the range of subsidized or affordable mental health services that are available. While organizations like the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and Silver Ribbon Singapore offer low-cost counseling, and certain services allow the use of Medisave for mental illnesses, greater outreach is required to ensure more people know about these resources.

Implications of the Rising Demand for Mental Healthcare

The rising demand for mental health services in Singapore has several critical implications for the country’s healthcare system and broader societal structure. Increasing awareness, driven by public campaigns and changing attitudes, has encouraged more people to seek support for mental health issues. While this is a positive development, it also places additional strain on an already stretched mental health system.

In terms of long-term care, the aging population presents its own set of challenges. There will be a growing demand for psychiatric nursing and rehabilitation facilities to cater to older adults with mental health conditions. Plans by the Ministry of Health to build new facilities are being laid out to ensure that these needs are met as the population ages​.

The growing tendency to seek mental health support has several implications for Singaporean society:

Healthcare System Strain: With more people seeking help, there is increased pressure on mental health professionals and services. The government’s efforts to train more GPs and expand community outreach are critical in meeting this demand.
Preventative Focus: The shift towards early help-seeking means more attention must be placed on preventative care. This aligns with the broader “Healthier SG.” strategy, which emphasizes mental resilience and the prevention of mental health conditions before they escalate.
Long-term Care Needs: As the population ages, there will be a growing need for long-term mental health care facilities, particularly for older adults facing psychiatric conditions. Plans for new psychiatric nursing and rehabilitation homes are essential in meeting these future needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the increasing trend of seeking mental health care in Singapore reflects a cultural shift toward greater acceptance and understanding of mental health issues. However, to sustain this positive momentum, continued efforts in education, accessibility, and affordability are essential. 

By promoting mental resilience and making services easier to navigate, Singapore can ensure that more people get the help they need when they need it most. This is where health insurance and employee benefits come in. 

Pacific Prime CXA can answer any questions you may have regarding employee benefits and expat health insurance. We work with the best insurance companies in the area to provide you with a wide range of services at no additional cost and to be there for you every step of the way as you navigate the insurance process.

Contact us today for impartial advice or an obligation-free quote!

Piyanat is a Content Writer and Marketer with an affinity for storytelling and marketing. He works with a team of experienced professionals at Pacific Prime who create a range of engaging and informative content aimed at helping both individuals and companies understand the importance of and benefits of insurance.

Upon graduating from Mahidol University International College’s International Relations program, he spent his career in marketing and business development, working for an international subcontractor, a marketing research firm, an international news agency, a software development company, and a creative agency. His journey now continues at Pacific Prime, where he hopes to make an impact by simplifying insurance.

In his free time, Piyanat is an avid martial artist and musician, spending most of his time at boxing gyms in Nakhon Pathom and music studios with his friends in the music industry. He’s also a big fan of turtles.

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