It’s World Mental Health Day 2023 and it’s appropriate that we take some time to talk about mental health; and while we’ve come a long way to accept that mental health is an important aspect of each and every person in society, there are still a lot of misconceptions and stigma surrounding it.
Instead of trying to resolve all the problems surrounding stigma and education, we can instead look at ways to improve our mental health.
What is mental health though?
Our mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we feel, how we see ourselves, how we handle stress, how we make choices, and how we relate to others. It has a powerful influence on our quality of life.
Take Action for Mental Health
Stress is a huge factor that affects decline in mental health!
This could be stress due to work, responsibilities, finances, or stress from interpersonal relationships. All types of stress contribute to you feeling miserable and when stressed for long stretches, this could make you feel really down and mentally unwell, and when you’re mentally unwell, you’re going to feel emotionally beaten down as well.
Instead of allowing stress to build up, let’s look at what we can do to manage it.
Do something that empowers you.
Year after her cancer diagnosis, Ms. Faridah decided to build a career helping others. Frustrated by the lack of support she felt was available, she decided to take matters into her own hands and become a counsellor. She is currently study part-time with College of Allied Educators for the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology, in the hopes that she can help people in a more meaningful way.
You can read more of her story at Today Online.
Doing something meaningful can often put you in the driver seat so you start taking charge of your life and your stress and anxiety. Perhaps you can consider what inspires and moves you. It doesn’t have to be big or loud, it just has to be important to you.
Let’s see what the World Health Organisation has to say about taking care of your mental health and well-being.
As suggested by the WHO:
- Talk to someone you trust
Talking to someone you trust – whether a friend, a family member, or a colleague – can help. You may feel better if you are able to openly share what you are going through with someone who cares about you. If you live in an area where face-to-face interactions are limited, you can still stay connected with your loved ones through a video call, phone call or messaging app.
- Look after your physical health
Taking care of your physical health helps improve your mental health and well-being. Be active for at least 30 minutes daily, whether that’s running, walking, yoga, dancing, cycling, or even gardening. Eat a balanced and healthy diet. Make sure to get enough sleep. - Do activities that you enjoy
Try to continue doing the activities that you find meaningful and enjoyable, such as cooking for yourself or your loved ones, playing with your pet, walking in the park, reading a book, or watching a film or TV series. Having a regular routine with activities that make you feel happy will help you maintain good mental health.
- Steer away from harmful substances
Don’t use harmful substances such as drugs, kava, alcohol or tobacco to cope with what you’re feeling. Though these may seem to help you feel better in the short term, they can make you feel worse in the long run. These substances are also dangerous and can put you and those around you at risk of diseases or injuries. - Take two minutes to focus on the world around you
Help free yourself of constantly swirling thoughts by reconnecting yourself with where you are at this moment in time. Follow along with the video below or simply take three slow deep breaths, feel your feet grounded on the floor and ask yourself:
What are five things I can see?
What are four things I can hear?
What can I smell?
What does it feel like to touch my knees or a something else I can reach? How does it feel underneath my fingers? - Seek professional help
If you feel like you cannot cope with the stress that you are facing, seek professional help by calling your local mental health helpline or getting in touch with your counsellor or doctor. Remember you are not alone, and there are things you can do to support your emotional wellbeing.
These are things you can start doing that can positively affect your mental health and well-being. If you need more resources, don’t be afraid to look for help.
Mental Well-Being
- Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6358-2222 (24 hours)
- Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 (24 hours)
- Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
- Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
- Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500
Counselling
- TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
- TOUCH Care Line (for seniors, caregivers): 6804-6555
- Care Corner Counselling Centre: 63531180
- Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366
Online Resources
- mindlines.sg
- eC2.sg
- tinklefriend.sg
- chat.mentalhealth.sg
- carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25)
- limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25)