Experts Urge Stronger Community Resilience for Mental Health in Singapore

SINGAPORE: The need for enhanced community resilience has emerged as a critical step in Singapore’s evolving approach to mental health. This call comes in light of personal stories, such as that of Francis Fong, who survived the devastating 2004 tsunami in Thailand. At just four years old, he and his pregnant mother were swept away by the waves during a family holiday.

Mr. Fong recalls the traumatic event vividly, stating, “We just heard someone shouting in the distance, and then when we looked out, we saw one huge wave coming towards us.” Fortunately, they survived by clinging to a rock. Despite his eventual triumph over fear, as he represented Singapore at the 2017 Southeast Asian Games, the psychological impact of that day remains. “It was quite an arduous journey,” he noted, reflecting on his ongoing struggles with anxiety related to the incident.

The story of Mr. Fong illustrates the broader need for emotional resilience within communities. Experts believe that fostering this resilience is best achieved through local initiatives like peer support, mental health first aid training, and outreach to vulnerable populations. Such strategies connect national policies with everyday care, preparing individuals and communities for crises.

Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health

The COVID-19 pandemic served as a stark reminder of how quickly mental health can deteriorate at both individual and national levels. In Singapore, many migrant workers faced isolation and uncertainty during prolonged lockdowns. Durga Ativan, head of counselling and social services at the charity HealthServe, reported that the concept of quarantine was particularly stressful for these workers.

“There were moments where they lost their parents. Some of them were about to get married that year but they couldn’t go on time for that, so some marriages were broken during COVID,” she explained. As a result, many experienced severe mental health issues, including depressive thoughts and suicidal ideations.

Ms. Ativan emphasized the importance of raising awareness among migrant workers and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health support. “We handle many cases, from simple stress to major depressive disorders during this time,” she added.

National Priorities and Community Support

Singapore has made significant strides in prioritizing mental health, as demonstrated by the launch of a National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy. This initiative aims to strengthen the mental health ecosystem, ensuring that individuals can seek help without stigma. A National Mental Health Office has been established to oversee the implementation of this strategy and advance mental health care.

Dr. Rayner Tan, assistant professor at the National University of Singapore, noted that while Singapore is in a “pretty good position,” challenges remain. “Despite broader access and growing awareness, there is still a shortage of trained professionals,” he commented.

Dr. Tan, who co-leads the community initiative SG Mental Health Matters, emphasized that beyond formal care providers, community support is vital. He called for the strengthening of local networks to enable individuals to assist one another effectively.

Experts also highlight the importance of nurturing emotional preparedness. “Teaching youth how to recognize distress, listen without judgment, and offer support will not only nurture early awareness and resilience but also normalize help-seeking at a young age,” said Ms. Azlitah Jaffar, a senior lead counsellor at Intellect Clinic.

Her insights underscore the need to prepare the next generation not just academically but emotionally for the inevitable challenges of life. As Singapore continues to evolve its mental health landscape, fostering community resilience emerges as a crucial element in ensuring holistic well-being for all citizens.