In the last couple of years, a growing number of Singaporeans have become more open to exploring mental health therapy and the benefits of it, showing a positive trend in attitudes toward mental health and a decrease in stigmas that can be attached to it. Some factors including an increased awareness, the growing volume and access to mental health education, as well as the normalization of therapy throughout media play a part in breaking the stigmas that may be attached to mental health and in choosing to attend therapy.
After the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19, discussions surrounding mental health and its impact on our workplace, healthcare systems, individuals and society at large have become more prevalent globally; with Singapore being no exception to this. With a notably high-stress and fast-paced lifestyle, more Singaporeans are recognizing the importance of managing their mental and emotional well-being, and viewing mental health as an essential contributing factor that affects their overall health.
Even with the growing acceptance and demand, some existing factors continue to deter Singaporeans from going to therapy, including:
Fear of stigma and negative labels being attached to them (ie. weakness, incompetence, etc.)
Preference to confide in someone they already know (ie. friends, family)
A lack of time to commit to therapy
High monetary price
Not seeing the necessity of therapy
However, with the recent growth of public services, promotion of literacy, and the implementation of mental health initiatives being a priority for Singapore, help to decrease the barriers to therapy while simultaneously reducing the stigmas and promoting mental health advocacy throughout Singapore. This change in attitude and adopting a more preventative approach towards mental health has echoed beyond government initiatives, but can also be seen by many public figures and individuals who are openly sharing their experiences in managing living with mental health struggles and in seeking professional help. With more and more services offering virtual options post-pandemic, counseling and mental health education has also become more accessible to everyone, which helps in normalizing it.
Some popular therapy options for various challenges and to help improve your overall well being include the different approaches of psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, such as: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), along with Teletherapy or online therapy of one of these forms which could allow for a more flexible option for individuals. Most therapy takes a holistic approach and offers long-term benefits for most including helping individuals become more resilient, better communicators and emotional regulators, and well-prepared for future challenges. Often, this care extends beyond addressing the symptoms that can come up in challenges, but help to improve our physical health through less stress, improved sleep and lower risks of harmful conditions such as hypertension. It also helps us to understand how we connect with others by processing our individual emotions, building communication skills and setting healthy boundaries to help you manage your life and relationships effectively. Additionally, the proactive approach that therapy has for most helps us to create a toolkit to rely on in future situations and can help us to navigate the future with confidence and clarity.
Therapy is gaining acceptance in Singapore as more people see it as an essential part to building a healthy and balanced life. While challenges like stigma, cost, and time can still make it hard to seek help, growing mental health awareness and support are making therapy more accessible and accepted. With a range of options now available—including flexible online sessions—therapy is becoming a practical way for Singaporeans to invest in their well-being, helping to build a stronger, healthier community, while investing in the future to come.
References
Koh, G. (2024, March 31). Strengthening the Mental Health Ecosystem: Singapore’s Updated Strategy. Mental Health Innovation Network.
Loh, R. (2023, November 1). S’poreans more stressed than global average; 16% say their stress is ‘not manageable’: Study. Today Online.
Soeiro, L. (2017, October 23). 10 Reasons Why People Refuse to Talk to Therapists. Psychology Today.
(2024, July 4). Mental Health Counseling in Singapore: Types & Benefits. Talk Your Heart Out.
Comentarios