Since its launch in 2024, the PAP Mental Health Group (MHG) has worked to reduce stigma and strengthen support for Singaporeans struggling with mental health issues.
To shine a spotlight on how occupational therapy can promote mental wellness, the PAP MHG supported the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) as they hosted a Wellness Fiesta last Saturday (24 Jan).
Lending his support to the event was Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Social and Family Development, and MP for Queenstown. As an advisor to the PAP MHG, Mr Chua is also a strong advocate for mental health awareness. He was joined by MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, Mr Victor Lye.
“Mental wellness can be nurtured through everyday routines that many of us can relate to and practise in all our daily lives. This is where occupational therapy plays an important role,” said Mr Chua in his opening address.
In occupational therapy (OT), activities like journaling, crafting and painting may be used as strategies to support individuals in managing their mental health.
“This is a core tenet of occupational therapy…supporting people to engage in activities that provide structure, build confidence, and most importantly, to strengthen connections,” said Mr Chua.
And in doing so, they can rediscover ways to engage meaningfully with daily life.
A very special art exhibition
To highlight how occupational therapy works in real life, the Wellness Fiesta hosted a very special art exhibition titled “Through Our Hands, Through Our Minds”. The exhibits include paintings, ceramics and digital art.
What makes it meaningful is the story behind each piece, created by individuals in recovery at IMH as well as the psychiatric correctional unit at Changi Prison.
“It was inspiring to see the works of art, especially the artists themselves who shared with us their journey of recovery and their wish to encourage others facing mental wellness issues,” shared Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Victor Lye.
“Art…is a powerful medium for expression, particularly for those who find it challenging to communicate through words alone,” added Mr Chua.
“Every piece of artistic creation we see today represents a unique journey to wellness and connection.”
As mental health awareness continues to grow, the PAP MHG will continue to drive collective action to build an ecosystem of support for Singaporeans.
Working closely with partners such as the IMH to bring the Wellness Fiesta to life is one way we can break the taboo surrounding mental health and make the subject more visible and relatable.
“Building Singapore has always been about uplifting lives, and maintaining good mental health and wellbeing has always been a big part of that,” said Mr Chua.
