More seeking help amid push to raise mental health awareness, Singapore News
More people have been seeking help in handling mental health conditions. According to Dr Vincent Ng, chief executive officer of AMKFSC Community Services, there has been a 42 per cent increase in people seeking help from its mental health service MindCare over the past two years, either for themselves or their loved ones. He was speaking at yesterday's MindStories exhibition at Ang Mo Kio Central Stage, the first event in this year's Mental Health Awareness Singapore Learning Series initiative.
Many still steer clear of people with mental illness: Poll, Singapore News
Even as more people are seeking outpatient treatment at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), more than five in 10 respondents in 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), found that most people agree that more needs to be done to reduce societal stigma, yet they are also reluctant to accept them on an individual level. In the survey of 1,796 people conducted last year, six in 10 people said they believe that mental health conditions are caused by a lack of self-discipline and willpower, while half believe that persons with mental health conditions should not be given any responsibility. But seven in 10 respondents acknowledged that persons with mental health conditions experience stigma and discrimination in their daily lives, and eight in 10 said they believe the best therapy is for them to be included in society.
NCSS - What we can do to address stigma
The Movement’s desired outcomes for employers are: Provide a safe and supportive environment for disclosure Adopt more inclusive hiring practices and put in place workplace accommodations Equip colleagues with confidence and knowledge to support persons with mental health conditions In May 2018, a WorkWell Leaders Workgroup comprising private and public sector leaders was formed to champion workplace wellbeing as a leadership priority. As its first collective action, the workgroup rallied employers to support the Beyond the Label campaign in the workplace on 10 October 2018, World Mental Health Day. These employers also pledged their commitment to the cause beyond the day. Click here for the list of employers who have pledged.
Who's CHAT - CHAT - Community Health Assessment Team
Our full name is "Community Health Assessment Team", and we've been helping and supporting young people with mental health concerns since 2009. CHAT is a national outreach and mental health check programme under the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). You can think of us as Singapore's "AAA" battery for youth mental health. Essentially, we are a group of healthcare professionals dedicated to promote:
Coping with depression
Everyone has felt sad at one time or another. Usually it is due to a disappointment, frustration or losing someone. Such sadness is normal.
More kids in Singapore seeking help for mental health issues
SINGAPORE: Depression, relationship issues, bullying, family problems – kids as young as five years old are seeking help for these problems. Suicide prevention centre SOS told Channel NewsAsia last week that it received about 1,900 calls from those aged five to 19 last year – an increase of 70 per cent compared to 2012. Another helpline Tinkle Friend, which caters to primary school students, saw a 50 per cent increase in the number of calls and messages on its online chat service from 2012 to 2016. Some of the questions stemmed from boredom and loneliness - “What can I do when I’m bored?”
Overcoming anxiety disorders
Anxiety is a normal everyday experience. Optimal amount of anxiety will in fact motivate one to perform better. In Generalised Anxiety Disorder, the anxiety symptoms occurs most of the day, persistent and may not be restricted to any particular environmental circumstances (ie.
He’s 48, and already grappling with dementia
SINGAPORE: He was once an accomplished teacher and published author of two chemistry books. But two years ago, when he was only 46, Mr George Chong was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s, an uncommon form of dementia. There was no cure, the doctor told him – and he slowly began to lose control of his daily life. Over time, he found it hard to follow instructions, do simple calculations and, sometimes, even distinguish his right hand from his left.
NCSS - Resources
Understanding the Quality of Life of Adults with Mental Health Issues NCSS supports a person-centred and ecosystem approach towards helping individuals achieve quality of life. This is also the value which underscores the Social Service Sector Strategic Thrusts (2017-2021), a 5-year roadmap for the social service sector.
