10 October 2021 | World Mental Health Day | Jessie Heng
Often stigmatized and overlooked, mental health is an area many suffer from, yet conversation pieces either hover around the edges or steer completely clear of it. Our learned automatic responses may be a veiled response to attend to the pain. We think it best for the people we know, or even for ourselves. Yet deep down, the pain never goes away. For two years (and counting), the mental health impact of the coronavirus pandemic forces the world to dissect the issue face-on. Confronted by the discomfit of widespread social isolation and a shake-up to what had been “normal”, we collectively grieved our losses and gains together.
The lead-on to 2021 marks a milestone and a shift in the Mental Health awareness arena in Singapore. In our small city-state of approximately 5.9 million, 1 in 7 have reported a mental health challenge in their lifetime*. We do not know if its prevalence may even run deeper than reported. Finding suitable treatment requires time and effort from an individual. However, experts CNA spoke to suggested that improving the quantity and quality of information about mental health resources may encourage a person to take the first step to seek help.
To further encourage help-seeking behaviour, we intend to keep mental healthcare affordable because mental illness “does not necessarily have any obvious physical symptoms” and treatment should not be exclusive to those who can afford them. Here at Healing Mind Haven, we extend goodwill to people who has financial difficulties to afford mental health, talk to us when you require further assistance on it.
We have taken a step towards a realization and beginning a conversation. On this World Mental Health Day, let us take a non-judgmental pause, recognize our internal struggles, and commit to a journey of support for ourselves and our loved ones. It is through our compassion for one another and creating a safe environment for mental health, that we can forge a more loving future together.
You may schedule an appointment with us, call or WhatsApp us at 89444928 to start a conversation about your current Mental Health.
*References:
Channel NewsAsia.
Goh, C. T. (2020, August 10). In Focus: The Challenges Young People Face In Seeking Mental Health Help.
Staglin, G. (2021, April 6). Singapore: An International Model For Mental Health. Forbes.