Many people falsely equate positive and healthy mental health as just the absence of problems. When it comes to the small, yet prosperous island nation of Singapore, mental health issues are a major concern for its young working population. According to a report published in the Institute of Mental Health, Singapore in 2016, nearly one in seven citizens of the country suffer from mental health concerns. This is right up there with the figures of some of the countries that fare badly when it comes to mental health issues.
In this article, we will discuss why working professionals in Singapore are facing anxiety and depression on a never-before level. We will also look at one of the leading names in the world of counselling, In Focus, and hear what their experts have to state about the issue.
5 Reasons young Professionals in Singapore are suffering from Mental Health Issues
1. Increased Work-Load
Being one of the leading financial capitals of the world, a majority of the world’s companies have their offices in Singapore. The rich island nation also attracts the best world talents from nearly every other country in the world. The fast-paced life, based on achieving targets is contributing to poor mental health concerns among the country’s professionals. Being driven by increments, bonuses and promotions are necessitating 18-hour work schedules.
2. No time for Personal Relationships
A study conducted in Singapore, Japan, and other Asian countries showed how men and women are refusing to date, marry, or have children. They point out that they do not get any time off from their work to concentrate on building personal relationships. Many also point out that even when they do get into relationships, they often have to break-up as they cannot dedicate even the bare minimum of time to their families or partners.
3. Social Media Pressures
High-earning working professionals are always looking to go one-up on their contemporaries. This means fuelling a social media narrative of good clothes, higher-priced watches, better homes, and exotic vacations. However, the underlying issues of competing on social media, presenting a different life, only because everyone is doing the same is leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders.
4. Substance Abuse
Alcohol and drug use among Singapore’s working professionals has been identified as a serious area of concern. The normal life of a Singaporean professional is a tough 16-hour workday followed by a couple of hours at the local watering hole. Alcohol and other harmful substances produce dependency on human beings. Many youngsters turn to them as a way of escaping mental health problems but spiral further down because of increased consumption.
5. Failure to Acknowledge the Problem for Fear of being labelled Weak
Many individuals feel that if they acknowledge they have mental health problems, they will be categorized as being weak by society. This prevents them from seeking medical and professional help. They fail to realize that the sooner they start receiving specialized treatment, the faster will be their recovery process. This will in turn have a positive impact on their productivity at the workplace and allow them to have time for other positive engagements.
What is In Focus saying about Mental Problems in Singapore?
According to the medical experts and counsellors at In Focus, acknowledgement of the problem is the first step towards recovery. They point out that young professionals should look at the following signs-
- Increased levels of fatigue or tiredness
- Loss of appetite and sudden weight loss
- Heightened levels of irritability
- Poor productivity levels at work
- Increasing urge to stay isolated
If anyone is experiencing any of the above five signs, he or she should immediately talk to a mental health expert. Mental health issues are a serious concern and should be given proper attention from not only the individuals concerned but by the government authorities as well.
