The Stigma Of Depression

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.

Article: ‘Crazy, weird, scary’: Survey unveils negative labels youths associate with mental illness SINGAPORE — Researchers have called for regular and compulsory education on mental health for youths, in the wake of a study that found a large proportion of this group having misconceptions of mental illness. Almost half (44.5 per cent) of 940 teenage students polled attached negative and pejorative labels to people with mental illness. “Crazy”, “weird”, “scary”, “stupid” and “dangerous” were among the words that came to mind then the respondents heard the term “mental illness”, reported the study, which was presented at the Frontiers in Mental Health symposium organised by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and Nanyang Technological University’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine on Tuesday (March 6). Some 46.2 per cent of the respondents, who were aged between 14 and 18, also said they would be “very embarrassed” if they were diagnosed with a mental illness, while nearly a quarter (22.7 per cent) said they would not want others to know if their relative were mentally ill.

Mental health cases treated at polyclinics, Health News Housewife Ng Guat Hua, 64, who suffers from anxiety, had previously sought help at a hospital whenever she had an anxiety attack. But now, she goes to a polyclinic near her home for help. Meanwhile, Mr Steven Tan (not his real name), 63, seeks treatment for depression at Queenstown Polyclinic. Though the service at the polyclinic is run by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), he said it felt more reassuring to go to a neighbourhood clinic rather than a hospital. IMH launches nationwide study to gauge mental health of adults in Singapore, Health News SINGAPORE - A nationwide survey to gauge the mental health of adults in Singapore will be carried out over the next year. Led by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), the study aims to reach at least 6,000 people aged 18 and above from a pool of about 15,500 randomly identified. Face-to-face interviews will be conducted in their homes. The study will find out the prevalence of mental disorders, barriers to mental health treatment here, and the socio-cultural and economic impact of major mental disorders. These include the association with physical illnesses, the effect of mental illness on work productivity and how people here seek help for mental illness.

Singaporeans Confront Mental Health Stigma In Poignant Experiment Some people say love doesn’t discriminate. Well, neither does mental health illness. A bunch of Singaporeans learnt this lesson in more ways than you’d expect in a meaningful experiment by Beyond The Label SG. The viral video has garnered 1.6k shares in just one day, and you’re reminded to keep your tissue box close if you plan on viewing it. 1 in 8 adults have mental health issues 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.

Article: Many in Singapore unwilling to live or work with people with mental health conditions: Survey, Health News SINGAPORE - Even as more people are seeking outpatient treatment at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), more than five in 10 respondents of a recent survey indicated they are unwilling to live with, live nearby or work with a person with a mental health condition. The survey, which is the first of its kind by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), also found that six in 10 people believe that mental health conditions are caused by a lack of self-discipline and willpower. Another key finding from the survey conducted last year - half of the 1,796 respondents believe that persons with mental health conditions should not be given any responsibility. But there were some encouraging notes in the findings, which were released on Saturday (Sept 8).

Anxiety in Singapore: Stats, Types and Who's at Risk - HealthXchange ​​​​About 10 per cent of the population in Singapore suffer from anxiety and depressive disorders.​ The Department of Psychiatry at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) shares the types of anxiety disorders and who's at risk.​ Feeling anxious is absolutely normal when you meet with a stressful situation, like an important meeting or a driving test.

Schools step up focus on students' mental health, Education News Schools have told The Straits Times they are paying more attention to students' mental wellness, amid a national bid to tackle the problem of young suicides. From peer helper initiatives and talks on mental health to setting up rest corners, some are going beyond counselling to encourage students to speak up about difficulties - whether emotional or academic. Last year, there were 27 suicides among 10- to 19-year-olds - a 15-year high. This was double the 2014 figure, despite a drop in the overall number of suicides. In August, two students from a top junior college killed themselves within 10 days.