Advancing Mental Wellness: Reflections on Singapore’s Progress
The COVID-19 pandemic placed mental health at the forefront of public consciousness. Isolation, grief, and anxiety affected individuals of all ages, with youth mental health becoming a particular area of concern. Recognizing this, Singapore's government took proactive steps to address the issue, culminating in the establishment of the National Mental Health Office and the rollout of the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy in 2024.
This strategy aims to integrate mental health services into polyclinics, increase the number of public-sector psychiatrists and psychologists, and deploy more teacher-counsellors in schools. While progress is evident, three key areas require attention to ensure sustained improvement.
1. Regulating Talk Therapy
As the demand for mental health support grows, it’s crucial to maintain high standards of care. Unlike medical professionals who register with regulatory bodies, counsellors and psychologists in Singapore are not mandated to join such organizations. Voluntary associations like the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS) and the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC) lack regulatory authority to enforce ethical standards or address grievances effectively.
Introducing a licensing regime for mental health professionals can safeguard vulnerable clients and bolster public trust. Examples like the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) and the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) demonstrate how regulation can elevate industry standards and protect stakeholders.
2. Avoiding Over-Medicalization
Mental health exists on a spectrum, with disorders representing one end. It is essential to treat all concerns as valid, matching the right type of support to each case. Singapore's tiered approach reflects this principle, but lessons from countries like the U.S. and U.K. caution against over-reliance on medication.
In these nations, a disproportionate focus on diagnoses and pharmaceuticals often overlooks tailored interventions and social issues underlying mental distress. By maintaining a balanced approach that incorporates non-medical therapies, Singapore can avoid similar pitfalls.
3. Enhancing Access to Care
Awareness and stigma reduction are vital, but timely access to care is equally important. Employers and insurers can play a pivotal role here. Mental health support benefits, akin to gym memberships or dental subsidies, are gaining traction, reflecting a growing recognition of the link between mental health and workplace productivity.
The Workplace Safety and Health Council’s upcoming 2025 guidelines for supporting staff with mental health challenges are a step in the right direction. Government initiatives, coupled with private-sector involvement, can pave the way for more accessible and comprehensive care.
Looking Ahead
Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's 2024 parliamentary statement emphasized mental health as a national priority. However, as the spotlight inevitably shifts to other challenges, it is vital to sustain momentum in addressing mental health and well-being.
Singapore’s journey so far shows promise, but continued focus and innovation will be key to creating a society where mental health is not just a priority during crises but a cornerstone of everyday life.
This blog is adapted from an article by Chirag Agarwal, originally published in The Straits Times on January 10, 2025.