The true meaning of progress is when the society as a whole, with its entire population included progresses. However, in reality this is far from true. Very often, mental health discrimination in Singapore draws a melancholy picture when it comes to inclusivity in society. It subjects a group of people and their mental wellbeing to constant criticism, ridicule and stigma.
Mental health disorders in Singapore
At face value, Singapore is a thriving country that is applauded for its booming economy, tolerant multicultural population, a dynamic way of life, socio economic stability and amazing work ethics. However, research has shown that a considerable part of the population suffers from mental illness and disorders. The suicide prevention agency called Samaritans of Singapore saw a 22 percent increase in their hotline calls for support in 2020. This clearly shows that there is an incline in mental health complications in the society, especially ever since the onset of COVID 19. In a recent study, conducted by the Institute of Mental Health in Singapore reported by the New Strait Times findings show that 13 percent of more than 1000 participants were diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Another study conducted by the Singapore Youth Epidemiology and Resilience earlier on in 2022 reports that 1 in 3 Singaporean youth are internalizing mental disorders.
All this research proclaims the widespread prevalence of mental disorders and illnesses. Despite this increase, the steps taken to minimize the detrimental effects of disorders on the lives of people and the society on whole remain minimal. On the contrary, individuals battling with mental illnesses are discriminated and cornered in the name of honor, reputation, and the notion that they are ‘being lazy’. Therefore, the time has come to address these mental illnesses and their discrimination in the open rather than sweeping this topic under the carpet.
Roots of mental health discrimination and its effects
One of the main aspects of the mental health discrimination in Singapore or anywhere else for that matter is that it sheds a negative light on the mental illness and the person suffering from it. Moreover, it discredits that person, his or her qualities, talents and capabilities. Socially, individuals with mental health disorders are made to feel ‘less’ or ‘inadequate’. Such labeling, discrimination, and invalidity of a person can have debilitating effects on the individual’s already fragile mental wellbeing and self esteem.
The prevalence of the mental health statistics and the mental health discrimination in Singapore go hand in hand. As is common in many Asian cultures, a compromised mental health is looked upon with disgrace and weakness. Mental health discrimination in Singapore stems from deep rooted ideas of being abnormal and defective, something that will bring shame to a person’s family and social reputation. Instead of perceiving mental health disorders as something that can be treated or managed, society at large views the individual as defective.
So how does mental health discrimination in Singapore affect an individual?
The primary effect of mental health discrimination in Singapore is that it stops a person from seeking help.
The more discrimination there is, the more people will silently suffer without accepting and reaching out for help.
When patients suffer in silence it inevitably takes a toll on their relationships, physical health, education and work.
Most side effects of repressed mental health illnesses burst out through physical ailments and conditions.
The widespread impression in Singapore is that mental health patients are violent, crazy, harmful and dangerous.
This further discriminates and pushes patients into loneliness and fear that, if they seek help then the society will label them too.
Hence, it is paramount that this mental health discrimination is broken and cast away.
Here are 3 ways to break mental health intolerance in Singapore
1. Accepting the prevalence of mental health discrimination in Singapore
The first milestone in defeating discrimination is creating awareness and accepting the present prevalence of mental health illnesses and its discrimination.
There are activists constantly working to increase the awareness of the mental health discrimination in Singapore.
Nevertheless, there are societies that do not wish to accept that there are many cases of mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders amongst them.
Moreover, the lay people do not even feel that there is such a thing like discriminating individuals on the basis of mental wellbeing.
This is because, very often discrimination is demonstrated lightly, people do it while joking and through sarcasm.
It has also become entwined in our social interactions and comes out very naturally, only when we rethink about what we have said, do we realize we have made a discriminatory comment.
Awareness on matters about mental health discrimination in Singapore can be heightened through initiating conversations and seminars.
Initiating conversation is a way to keep the ball rolling so that people remember that the topic of discrimination needs due attention.
Creating awareness in schools, colleges and places of work is a great way to start.
One effective way to address this topic is to host seminars for parents and children alike in schools and institutions.
In work places, the human resource departments can arrange for organizational psychologists to speak with employees and emphasize on taking care of one’s mental wellbeing.
2. Breaking roots of mental health discrimination in Singapore at home
Like charity starts at home, breaking mental health discrimination begins at home too.
Being mindful of the way people teach, portray, and view individuals with mental disorders matters a lot.
The older generations as per several studies are more inclined to portray mental health discrimination in Singapore.
On the other hand, the younger generation is more likely to be tolerant and enlightened about integrating individuals with mental illnesses into their circles.
- Using the right words and terms
One such way of incorporating inclusiveness at home can be by choosing words and terms carefully.
When children or adults view anything that portrays mental illnesses, parents must be mindful to avoid using words like ‘mad’, ‘psycho’, ‘mental’, and ‘crazy’.
Instead trying using terms like an ‘individual with a mental illness’, ‘person dealing with a mental disorder’.
Just like how we would address terminally ill patients.
For example: it is common to hear people say that a particular patient is ‘battling with cancer’ rather than call him ‘lazy’, or ‘unhealthy’.
The more children or young adults see neutral words instead of discriminatory labels being used, the more tolerant and accepting they will grow.
Consequently, children and young adults will stop viewing mental disorders as evil, shameful or degrading.
This practice will then snowball from their homes, into schools, among their friends, reach workplaces and social circles.
- Empathy and Kindness
Another distinctive way of addressing mental health discrimination in Singapore is by cultivating a habit of showing support and trust amongst the younger generation.
Cultivating the qualities of being supportive and empathetic in children, young adults or even adults can diminish mental health discrimination by leaps and bounds.
Teaching people to be there and lend an ear to their fellow peers, family members or even coworkers demonstrates that as a community we are there for each other.
Several mentally ill individuals do not open up about their struggle with mental health because they feel that no one is listening and taking them seriously.
Once patients talk about their situation and their battle with mental disorders, the person listening will understand the gravity of the situation.
Moreover, they will comprehend that people do not pretend to be mentally ill to get attention or get away with work.
They are genuinely, in need of help, support, medical assistance or counseling, just like a patient with a physical condition or illness is
3. Promoting quality support and treatment for mental health
The best intervention to tackle mental health discrimination is providing enough support and treatment.
Quality support and mental health care together with awareness will immensely help individuals with mental illnesses.
There has been a large surge in attention to create adequate mental health support recently.
This could be due to the realization that mental health disorders are swiftly impacting every aspect of people’s lives.
Support in Schools and Colleges
Schools and universities can incorporate counseling and intervention in their student and academic affairs services.
Early action taken by outreach and student counseling services will help young people recover faster.
Student or Education counselors in schools can hold regular open days and activity days to make introduction to mental health disorders and support more inviting and welcoming.
By creating a relaxed and playful atmosphere, educators can remove the stigma and fear of mental illnesses from the parent and child’s mind.
Young volunteers can join support groups and social services to volunteer and help become peers to mentally unstable youth.
The University Counseling Services at National University of Singapore is a brilliant example of how students can reach out for help and support within the university itself.
Today, spreading the word and creating support for mental health disorders is very easy.
Social media can play a big role in setting up virtual support peer groups, campaigns and networks.
Beyond the Label is an active social media Facebook group spreading awareness of mental health discrimination and providing support.
They are always looking for new followers and volunteers.
General Support for Public
Another social service agency in Singapore that is combating mental health discrimination and championing support is the Silver Ribbon Singapore.
Users or patients can reach out to them for support through their hotline: 6385-3714
A nationwide support center is established by the Institute of Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 for all types of mental health disorders.
Finally another active helpline for people struggling with mental health disorders is TOUCHline Counseling: 1800-377-2252
Mental Health Intolerance and Support in Workplace
Workplace discrimination is another important aspect altogether.
It can gradually damage employee work lives and healthy working environments.
Employees report that work place mental health discrimination labels them as inefficient and inadequate to complete tasks.
Employers who believe that the most productive work is done by employees who are available at work regularly throws a bad light on workers who cannot make it to work due to their illness.
Mental health discrimination in workplaces can take up several forms.
Individuals have reported that mistreatment and name calling from normal coworkers are common discriminatory occurrences at their work place.
Moreover, employees report that they have been targets of hurtful mocking gestures like quivering, panicking, crying, and stammering, which are signs of anxiety.
One of the major forms of mental health discrimination in workplace is being left out of meetings, assignments, or discussions.
Several employees suffer in silence as this type of toxic work place environment constantly hurts them.
However, there are several ways in which this discrimination can be prevented and broken.
Firstly, human resource managers and councils can organize trainings and seminars to educate the common employees on how to handle mental health discrimination and illnesses in the work place.
Recently, the government of Singapore has taken a firm step towards breaking mental health discrimination.
The Ministry of State Manpower has taken action to help employers educate themselves and their staff on how to improve mental health wellbeing in work places.
Providing adequate counseling, therapy, and training in fields of mental health education and discrimination is one of their primary goals.
Furthermore, job applicants and new employees will not be asked to state their mental health condition on forms or in interviews anymore.
This step has been taken by the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices to combat mental health discrimination in the workplace.
Mental Health Coverage and Insurance
There are several insurance agencies in Singapore that provide coverage for mental health and illnesses.
Mental health security can be included in the Integrated Shield Plans or policies that come under Terminal Illnesses.
A patient can use his or her Medisave account as well to pay for mental health assistance and treatment.
References:
www.channelnewsasia.com, www.straitstimes.com, straitstimes.com
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