5 answers to your biggest mental health questions
When to get professional help, what to expect, and how to keep your mind in check
Text: Sam Y
It’s no problem going to get an MC from a doctor when we’re feeling unwell, so why is it so difficult to deal with when our state of mind feels out of whack? Defined by the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) as “a disturbance of the mind that impairs the way we think, feel and behave” mental health issues span across a spectrum of disorders. It can involve needing support to cope with a certain area of life, managing work stress, dealing with a breakup, or navigating today’s anxiety-inducing pandemic. It can also include severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe anxiety or depression which — due to the stigma that such illnesses bring — makes it hard for those who struggle to open up and seek help.
What most people don’t know is that psychological health issues are so prevalent, that one in every seven Singaporeans has struggled with some form of mental illness in their lifetime. Despite the high statistics, “Sufferers are worried about being labeled as ‘crazy’ or seen as ‘weak’, having a character flaw, or not being able to deal with it” says Elizabeth Ho, Principal Psychologist and Certified Traumatologist at Resilienz. “Some people also tend to minimise sufferers’ mental health issues, or simply brush them off by saying ‘it’ll pass’.”
However, steps are being made to raise awareness about mental wellbeing in Singapore, decrease social stigma and increase resources for people suffering from mental illnesses.
If you’re reading this today and feel like you might be struggling with your mental wellbeing in some way, it’s important to know that you’re not alone and there are professional therapists, coaches and psychologists who you can to talk to. They’ll be able to help you gain a perspective, offer clarity and guidance, and provide you with support and a safe space from which you can speak openly and honestly.
5 questions about mental health
Here, The Soothe answers five common questions about psychological wellbeing issues that could help you — or someone you may know and love — to move forward:
How do I know when it’s time to speak to a therapist?
If you’ve been feeling low and struggling with your state of mind but are unsure whether it’s just blip or a phase, this is the time to seek help from a therapist. Licensed therapist Annie Wright mentioned in an interview to Thriveworks that some signs you should look out for are: if you feel like you can no longer talk to friends and loved ones about your thoughts and issues; if you feel disconnected and alone; if you feel as though you’ve exhausted all other resources of help. If you just need a trusted ally to help you work through what may be bogging you down, this is the best time to speak up.
Will being diagnosed with a mental illness make people think I’m different?
It’s incredibly daunting to feel like a label has been placed on you if you’re diagnosed with suffering from a very real mental illness. You might believe that people around you will perceive you differently. In fact, entrepreneur Timothy Tiah of Colony Coworking Space in Malaysia echoed these thoughts in an Instagram post after he recently discovered he was suffering from Mixed Anxiety Depressive Disorder. “Would my investors still have confidence in me? Would my team still want to follow me?” he wrote. These are valid questions, but while mental illness is something you might suffer from, you don’t have to let it be your whole identity. Society is moving towards acceptance and awareness, and with the current advances in psychological treatments, getting the help you need is much more accessible to help you get back on your feet.
Do I need to take medication if I am diagnosed with a mental health issue?
A common question about mental wellbeing is whether those who suffer have to be medicated or go through treatments and hospitalisations. According to Elizabeth, it really depends on how mild or severe your condition is. Psychiatrists will prescribe medication based on the assessment of the patient’s ability to function daily, and whether the symptoms are debilitating. “In some cases, medication is necessary to help stabilise moods and increase clarity of thinking so that psychotherapy can be effective,” she says. “Psychotherapy and counselling are necessary and essential, whereas medication may or may not be prescribed in the course of treatment. Medication should work alongside psychotherapy and counselling.”
How can I get my loved ones to understand what I am struggling with?
It can seem impossible to broach the subject of psychological health with your family. You might worry that they’ll dismiss your illness as insignificant due to its intangibility, or simply say that you’re being difficult or too sensitive. In an interview, Dr Ong Say How from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) mentions that a good way to help parents to understand mental wellbeing struggles is to get them involved in one of your therapy sessions. This way, your doctor can properly brief them on the situation and how they can help. “With understanding, the whole attitude towards mental health becomes more positive and nurturing,” he says.
How should I speak to my boss about my mental health?
Many individuals have faced apathy and discrimination when being honest with their employers about their mental wellbeing. In fact, as an effort to combat discrimination, the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) in Singapore announced earlier this year that employers should no longer ask job applicants to declare personal information such as their psychological state on application forms. However, if your psychological health has begun to affect your work, it’s important to speak up and see how your employers can support you. In an article on Insider, consultant psychiatrist Paul McLaren suggests controlling how much you decide to disclose to your employers to prevent misinterpretations from happening or bringing along a mediator, such as a trusted colleague or a HR representative, to be the go-between during the talk with your boss.
This article was independently written by The Soothe. For more information, please refer to our disclaimer.
