mental health awareness Archives

Did you know that for every 100,000 people, there’s only an average of four psychiatrists in Singapore? Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Anthea Ong and Non-Constituency MP Daniel Goh raised this issue in Parliament on 5 March 2020. With the lack of professionals, it could be a reason to explain the high prices.

While the government reviews its mental healthcare system, some of us are probably on the search for free and affordable mental help in Singapore. If you’re reading this, good news! We will be sharing with you some avenues to get some help without breaking the bank.

#1: FAMILY LIFE SOCIETY (FLS)

Established since 1985, FLS is a member of the National Council of Social Services (NCSS). They offer a range of services including counselling sessions and Pregnancy Crisis & Support (PCS) for the public. Their subsidized counselling rates start from 75 SGD per session.

For free sessions, you may consider speaking to a para-counsellor. Para-counsellors do not have formal counselling qualifications. However, they are trained to provide basic listening support.

As some of you might be sensitive with religions, we’ve got to put it upfront that the para-counselling locations are held at Catholic churches. They are available in different parts of Singapore. However, FLS has stated on their website that all their services are open to all races and religions. Your background is also of least importance.

Dial 6382 0688 to connect with them.

#2: WINGS COUNSELLING CENTRE

WINGS Counselling Centre started as a pilot project named Ramakrishna Mission Counselling Centre (RMCC) with financial help from NCSS. They only rebranded with its current name in 2002.

Affordably-priced at 80 SGD for the first session, subsequent sessions will cost only 60 SGD. In the event that you still find it a splurge considering your financial status, don’t worry. You can send in a request via their online appointment form to enjoy partial or full waivers.

#3: SHAN YOU COUNSELLING CENTRE

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Shan You Counselling Centre is a non-profit social service organisation affiliated with NCSS. Apart from counselling and psychotherapy, they also offer befriending, motivational interviewing, and more.

Probably the lowest price we’ve seen thus far, their counselling sessions are at 40 SGD. You may also seek a fee discount or waiver if you’re going through difficult circumstances to fork out money for mental healthcare. Contact them via 6741 9293 or drop them an email through [email protected].

#4: ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN FOR ACTION AND RESEARCH (AWARE)

Founded in 1985, AWARE advocates gender equality. Their counselling sessions are specially catered for women above 21 years old. Whether you’re facing family violence or sexuality issues, AWARE can help.

The counselling cost is based on your monthly salary. For example, if your income is 2000 SGD, then the cost per session would be 20 SGD. Those who are not working will be charged 20 SGD per session. Interested? Speak to someone via the AWARE helpline at 1800 777 5555 or leave a callback request.

#5: HELPLINES

Not ready to commit to a counselling session just yet? You can converse with someone professional through these hotlines:

Mental well-being

– Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline (6389 2222)
– Samaritans of Singapore (1800 221 4444)
– Silver Ribbon Singapore (6385 3714)

Violence or abuse

– Big Love Child Protection Specialist Centre (6445 0400)
– HEART @ Fei Yue Child Protection Specialist Centre (6819 9170)
– PAVE Integrated Services for Individual and Family Protection (6555 0390)
– Project StART (6476 1482)
– TRANS SAFE Centre (6449 9088)

Counselling

– TOUCHline (Counselling) (1800 377 2252)

We would be extremely grateful if you could share this article with someone who might need to see this today. We’re never alone!

The safest thing that you can do for yourself is to stay at home. However, staying at home can take a toll on your Mental Health. It is difficult to live in a world where you cannot meet your loved ones whenever you want or where you cannot accomplish your usual outdoor activities. At some point, the news can either bore or stress you out too.

Fortunately for you, there is a wealth of digital resources that can help you stay sane. Download one or all of these apps!

#1: ZOOM

It is important to stay connected despite practicing safe distancing. One mobile and computer app that can help you connect to your loved ones and to your co-workers is Zoom. Zoom meetings are all the rage these days! This is possibly due to the useful functions of Zoom such as screen sharing and virtual backgrounds. Apart from that, many people are conducting free webinars that focus on their skills or on Mental Health awareness.

Consider opening a delicious bottle of wine while you host a virtual party with your friends. It is happy hour somewhere, right? Moreover, you may connect with your significant other as you cook and eat a meal together.

#2: DUOLINGO

Duolingo is a popular app that gamifies language learning. It offers bite-sized listening and speaking lessons among over 30 languages. If you have been itching to learn Spanish to watch Money Heist more efficiently, then you may give this app a go. Interestingly, it includes more obscure languages such as Latin and High Valyrian too. GOT fans will know what I am talking about!

#3: HEADSPACE

If you are looking for a vibrant and positive app that can help you kick-start your meditation journey, search no further than “Headspace”. Headspace includes hundreds of short meditation recordings and lengthy guided sessions. Choose your own preference as these range from physical health to personal growth as well as from stress management to stress relief.

Be honest with yourself when it comes to what you really need at the moment. If you are downloading this app for free, you will be able to access limited free sessions. Otherwise, you may upgrade your subscription to get a full access to their meditation library.

#4: APPLE PODCAST

Apple Podcast and Spotify house a variety of Mental Health and self-care podcasts that can help alleviate the emotional stress that you are feeling at the present moment. A podcast available on Apple Podcast called “Mental Illness Happy Hour” tackles difficult mental illnesses such as PTSD and addiction through interviewing notable figures and celebrities.

Another podcast that you may listen to is the “Miss Psychobabble” podcast. This peeks inside the current issues and popular culture through the lens of Psychology. From finding productivity while working at home to gaining control in times of uncertainty, this podcast educates you about human behavior and solves it through practical tips.

#5: STOIC.MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING

The ancient philosophy of Stoicism dates back in circa 300 B.C.E. Stoics endure pain and suffering without complaints and rants. If meditation is your thing, you can probably enjoy the company of the “stoic.mental health training” app. This app provides personalized insights on what influences your sense of fulfillment and levels of mood. It also gives calming exercises in the morning and evening. What’s more? It has a philosophy-driven journal that will enable you to understand why you are feeling a certain way. It is okay to not be okay, all the time.

#6: ADIDAS TRAINING

Exercise and physical activity helps you to release some “happy hormones” or endorphins. Keep the consistency in your routine by downloading the free ADIDAS TRAINING app. This app lets you complete a workout for at least 7 minutes. It comes in a series of easy to difficult pre-made workouts.

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If you have a particular goal in mind such as weight loss, you may create your own training plan too. Comparing your progress with friends who use the app is also possible. This will enable you to monitor your group workout plans and goals.