A survey by CARE Singapore and Milieu Insight reveals key mental health challenges among Singapore’s youth, uncovering stressors and barriers to seeking support.
Does asking for help feel like a burden on your loved ones? For nearly half of Singaporean youth struggling with mental health challenges, this is their reality, according to a recent study by CARE Singapore (Children-At-Risk Empowerment Association) and data analytics company Milieu Insight.
This reluctance to seek support – particularly among those with moderate to severe depressive symptoms – highlights a growing concern in youth mental health in Singapore.
More on the Survey
Conducted between June and July 2024, the survey gathered responses from 1,000 participants aged 16 to 35. Using the PHQ-9 screening tool, which measures the severity of depressive symptoms, the study revealed troubling trends:
15% of respondents exhibited severe depressive symptoms, echoing similar findings from the National Youth Mental Health Study by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).
Youths who were experiencing distress were hesitant to seek help, with 49% citing a fear of burdening others as a key reason. This fear was even more prevalent amongst those with severe depressive symptoms – the group that needs the most support.
Info: PHQ-9 Scoring System for Depression Severity: mild (0-9), moderate (10-14), and severe (15 and above).
*Note that scoring over 14 under the PHQ-9 does not necessarily mean the respondent has a clinical problem. However, this degree of depression felt over a long period of time could impact their wellbeing.
Why Are Youths Struggling to Seek Help?
The survey uncovered several barriers that prevented youths in Singapore from addressing their mental health challenges, notably:
- Not wanting to burden others
- Doubting the legitimacy/severity of their condition
- Believing others wouldn’t know how to help
- Feeling misunderstood
- Fearing judgement
It becomes progressively challenging for youths to be open about their mental health the more distressed they are.
Despite this apprehension, the survey reveals that many will still approach loved ones to attain comfort, mainly friends, romantic partners and immediate family members. This reflects results from the IMH study, which also determined family and friends to be central support figures.
Breaking Barriers With Mental Health Programmes
Overall, the survey shows how mental health education needs to be more comprehensive in efforts to break down barriers that deter youths from seeking support.
Many survey respondents expressed doubts, skepticism, and challenges with accessibility when considering professional help for their mental health struggles. These can be improved with systemic changes to 1) promote mental health awareness and availability of assistance, and 2) dismantle the stigma surrounding professional help.
To that end, CARE Singapore has developed targeted programmes to address the specific needs of youths. Initiatives such as the Hear4U WhatsApp helpline provide a discreet and accessible platform for young people to share their struggles without fear of judgment.
“We recognise the struggles that youths face, especially those who wish to help to support their friends,” said Dr John Tan, Executive Director at CARE Singapore.
This tool, launched in 2020, has been instrumental in creating a safe space for both those in distress and peers who may be seeking guidance on how to support a friend.
Furthermore, the survey uncovered that females experienced greater distress regarding peer relationships and self-esteem as compared to their male counterparts.
As social support and self-confidence plays a large role in alleviating mental health symptoms, the Girl Power! Programme was launched to focus on empowering young women by fostering self-esteem and resilience. The 12-month programme’s nurturing environment allows participants to build trust and confidence, encouraging them to confide in CARE teachers.
The Way Forward For Mental Health In Singapore Youths
CARE Singapore’s efforts are not only addressing barriers to help-seeking, but also cultivating a culture of openness and support among Singapore’s youth. By equipping young individuals with practical tools to navigate mental health challenges and fostering greater awareness, these initiatives represent a step toward breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.
This partnership with Milieu Insight also revealed the importance of data-driven approaches in shaping effective interventions. This collaboration had enables CARE to better understand the strengths and impacts of their programmes.
“By raising awareness of the signs of mental health issues and the benefits of seeking support, we can break down misconceptions and foster a more open, understanding culture among Singaporean youths,” explained Juda Kanaprach, Chief Commercial Officer at Milieu Insight.
Together, these efforts highlight a common goal to empower the next generation, ensuring that mental health is not only understood, but embraced as a cornerstone of overall well-being.
Read more:
- Stress Levels in Singapore Steadily Increasing: The Dangers Of Mental Health
- Singapore Psychologists Seek Regulation and Recognition Amid Mental Health Push
Graphs courtesy of: CARE Singapore and Milieu Insight Survey
