Bringing Singaporeans together to tackle mental health challenges 

23/10/2024

Mariam Jaafar recounts attending to a resident who sought help to transfer her flat’s ownership to her son. After several conversations, the Member of Parliament for Sembawang GRC and a member of the PAP Mental Health Group, learnt the woman had lost another son to suicide from bipolar disorder. She had children with depression.  

Yip Hon Weng, also a group member and MP for Yio Chu Kang SMC, recalls helping a resident at his Meet-the-People session. The man said he was being followed at a coffeeshop and in a lift. Initially, Mr Yip thought the man had loan shark issues. However, after further probing, Mr Yip realised the man might have paranoia and needed medical attention.     

These two incidents highlight some of the many mental health challenges Singaporeans face. Ms Jaafar said such incidents compel us to think how as a society we can and must do better.  

As Mr Yip aptly puts it, mental health issues can be complex so on the ground we must get the right partners, know who to contact, and ensure residents know available resources. This is what the newly formed PAP Mental Health Group will champion. 

Indeed, at the group’s very first community outreach on World Mental Health Day on October 10, Wan Rizal, the co-chair announced that all 93 PAP branches will have mental health ambassadors by 2025 to promote mental well-being in every neighbourhood and support the work of MPs in addressing residents’ mental health concerns. 

The party is also joining hands with 13 community partners to refine and roll out mental health initiatives for the neighbourhoods. 

The formation of PAP Mental Health Group is timely as more Singaporeans grapple with mental health challenges.   

The Ministry of Health’s (MOH) 2022 National Population Health Survey revealed a concerning uptick in the prevalence of poor mental health, rising from 13.4 per cent in 2020 to 17 per cent in 2022. Notably, individuals aged 18 to 29 exhibited the highest percentage of poor mental health at 25.3 per cent. 

According to the National youth mental health study, close to one-third of individuals aged 15 to 35 have encountered severe or very severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress, yet refrained from seeking assistance 

The Government said in February that mental health and well-being are a key priority in its national agenda. 

This strategic effort highlights the Party’s commitment to building a robust and supportive mental health ecosystem that assist Singaporeans facing mental health challenges. It also signifies a proactive step towards fostering community-driven initiatives for mental health advocacy in Singapore.  

Mental health has always been a priority for the PAP. According to Janil Puthucheary, PAP Mental Health Group co-chair, the party will leverage its experience, network and partners to advance this agenda. 

The group will be supported by a panel of eight mental health experts from hospitals, social service organisations and psychological services. This “brains trust” will ensure the group’s decisions are evidence-based by providing technical and professional expertise. 

Most importantly, in addition to experts, advocates, partners and MPs, the Party wants to involve people with mental health conditions in the conversation. Having different lived experiences and varied needs, everyone has a unique perspective. 

He acknowledged that it is crucial that persons with mental health conditions have a voice in policymaking and initiatives, especially those aimed at helping them reintegrate and find a place in the community.  “By empowering these individuals and the community to act, we can achieve more support, and more types of support, for a more inclusive society.”   

Ultimately, addressing mental health conditions requires a change in mindset and perspective on what mental health is. How can we reduce stigma and normalise discussions around mental health?  

Education Minister Chan Chun Sing compared mental health to fitness.  He noted that nobody can maintain peak fitness every day; we all have good and bad days. Most importantly, like fitness, we can condition ourselves so that when stressors arise, we are better prepared to cope with them.  

Whether it is looking after our own mental wellbeing or helping those facing challenges, everyone has a role to play in supporting the mental health ecosystem.  The Party invites all members and non-members to join the conversation. As cliché as it may seem, when it comes to tackling mental health issues, we are #bettertogether.