Fast Facts on Mental Health in Singapore
51% of mental illness patients suffer from a chronic physical illness, because there is a link between the twoDepression, alcohol abuse and obsessive compulsive disorder are the top 3 most common disorders in Singapore29 The age at which the majority of mental illnesses occur5.8% of the adult population in Singapore has suffered from depression at some point in their lives Symptoms of top 3 disorders Depression: loses interest in daily life, has feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of suicide Alcohol Abuse: has to drink more and more alcohol to feel its effects as tolerance for the substance increases, experiences sweating and other withdrawal symptoms when not drinking Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Obsessive: has persistent and irrational thoughts, impulses or images that cause anxiety or distress like an overwhelming fear of germs and dirt Compulsive: repeats actions like checking and rechecking locks several times over
WE CARE Community Services : Alcohol Addiction
Do you continue to drink when it causes you problems? What you should be aware of when you drink Alcohol is often used as a social lubricant in social settings. Drinking is legal in Singapore if you are 18 and above. Even though alcohol is legal and socially accepted, there are risks and problems associated with persistent drinking. Risky Drinking
More people in Singapore have experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime, study finds
SINGAPORE — One in seven people in Singapore have experienced a mental disorder such as bipolar disorder or alcohol abuse in their lifetime, an increase from roughly one in eight several years ago. The top three mental disorders here were major depressive disorder, alcohol abuse and obsessive compulsive disorder. This is based on the finding of the second Singapore Mental Health Study, which started in 2016 and involved interviews with 6,126 Singaporeans and permanent residents. Read also Gen Y Speaks: What caring for my mum taught me about mental illness
Managing Mental Illness
Many people with mental illness often suffer in silence. They keep their condition to themselves until it is too late. Yet, studies have shown that early treatment can improve the progress of recovery for these people. However, late detection or delaying treatment can cause the condition to worsen. So, why do these people suffering from mental illness delay seeking treatment? Often, it is due to the fear of rejection and ridicule by society.
Psychological Disorders and How They Are Diagnosed
What exactly is a psychological disorder? How is a psychological disorder diagnosed? Defining exactly what constitutes a mental disorder can be tricky and, definitions have changed over time. The first problem is that psychologists must first decide exactly how to define disorder.
Call for greater support as more in Singapore suffer anxiety illness, Health News
The number of adults being treated for obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD) continues to rise, prompting experts to call for more support for sufferers and their families. Latest figures from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) show that 850 adults were treated for the condition as of November last year, up from 640 in 2010. The first and only Singapore Mental Health Study released in 2011 found that Singapore was the OCD capital of the world, with higher rates of the illness compared with the United States or Europe.
Singapore Association for Mental Health : Mental Wellness for All
A mental illness is a disturbance of the mind that impairs the way we think, feel and behave. It affects our daily activities, as well as impact the lives of family members and friends. Mood and anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses.
More children and teens are stressed out, Health News
Last year, a Primary 5 pupil fell 17 floors from his bedroom window on the day he was supposed to take his exam papers home. He had never fared poorly in his examinations from Primary 1 to 4, and scored an average of 70 marks. His mother would cane him on his palm "lightly" for every mark he fell short of her stipulated standard of 70 per cent. But he failed his Higher Chinese and mathematics in his latest mid-year exam. Out of 100 marks, he scored 50 for English, 53.8 for Chinese and 57.5 for science. This case shows what too much stress can lead to.
Self-imposed stigma compounds struggles of individuals with mental illness
SINGAPORE: Individuals with mental illness often grapple with stigma or negative public perceptions about their conditions and their struggle can be compounded further through self-imposed stigma. “Self-imposed stigma is the process by which persons with mental illness accept the negative attitudes of others towards them, then internalise and apply these beliefs to themselves,” said Associate Professor Mythily Subramaniam, director of the Department of Research at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). “Examples of self-imposed stigma include endorsement of negative stereotypes held by the public such as ‘I am dangerous’, ‘I am weak’, or ‘I am ashamed that I have a mental illness’,” she said. Based on an 18-month study on 280 outpatients from IMH suffering from depression, schizophrenia, anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), researchers have found that self-imposed stigma may influence the impact of perceived stigma, quality of life, self-esteem and function.
1 in 7 people in Singapore have experienced a mental disorder – and some millennials are more susceptible to mood and alcohol-related ones, Business Insider - Business Insider Singapore
Around one in seven people in Singapore have experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lives. Singapore Press Holdings A study has found that more people in Singapore have experienced mental disorders at some point in their lives. The 2016 study found that one in seven people in Singapore (13.9 per cent) have experienced specific mood, anxiety, or alcohol use disorders in their lifetime. This proportion is an increase from roughly one in eight (12 per cent) six years prior. The second Singapore Mental Health Study (SMHS), which was released on Tuesday (Dec 11), was spearheaded by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), involving interviews with 6,126 Singaporeans and permanent residents.
More people in Singapore struggling with alcohol abuse, but seeking help earlier: Study, Health News
SINGAPORE - A mental health study has shown that while alcohol abuse is a growing problem here, sufferers have been seeking help earlier. The second Singapore Mental Health Study, conducted in 2016, found that one in 24 people struggled with the problem in their lifetime, or 4.1 per cent of the population. This is up from one in 32 people in the landmark study done in 2010. Symptoms include recurrent alcohol use that affects obligations at work, school, or home. But sufferers also sought treatment earlier – the median number of years they delayed treatment in 2016 was four years, down from 13 years in 2010.
