Mental Health Is Not Something To Be Ashamed Of: Creating A More Compassionate Community In Singapore

Singapore is beginning to talk more openly about mental health, and that matters.

The Institute of Mental Health (IMH) recently announced its third nationwide Singapore Mental Health Study (SMHS), which will explore the state of mental health in Singapore following the Covid-19 pandemic. For the first time, the study will include teens aged 15 to 17 to examine struggles such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, resilience, sense of belonging, and social support.

The findings reflect something many of us quietly know: A lot more of us are struggling than we realise.

And perhaps one of the most important reminders from this conversation is this: Struggling does not make someone weak. And mental health struggles are nothing to be ashamed of.

At aLife, we often meet individuals walking through emotionally overwhelming seasons, such as unplanned pregnancies, pregnancy loss, and the loneliness, fear, grief, and uncertainty about the future, they carry. Many carry these struggles silently because they fear being judged.

We Were Never Meant To Carry Everything Alone

In Singapore, there can sometimes be unspoken pressure to always appear "okay."

To keep functioning.

To keep achieving.

To keep everything together.

But behind closed doors, many of us are quietly battling anxiety, emotional exhaustion, burnout, shame, or feelings we do not know how to express.

Some are students trying to cope.

Some are mothers overwhelmed with responsibilities.

Some are young people struggling with identity, loneliness, or pressure.

Some are silently grieving losses no one else sees.

Mental health struggles do not discriminate by age, background, or life stage. And needing support is not failure.

The Power of Community Support

One of the most meaningful parts of the upcoming SMHS is its focus being not only on mental illness, but also on protective factors such as resilience, sense of belonging, social support, and emotional wellbeing. This matters deeply because healing is often not just about treatment, but it is also about connection.

Sometimes, what helps someone keep going is:

• A family member who listens gently.

• A friend who checks in regularly.

• A teacher who notices something is wrong.

• A safe space where someone feels seen.

• A community that responds with compassion instead of shame.

Support does not always require having perfect advice. Often, simply being present matters more than we realise.

Creating Safer Conversations

At aLife, we believe we can all play a part in creating safer conversations around mental health.

This can look like:

• Speaking more gently to people who are struggling. 

• Reducing stigma around counselling or seeking help.

• Avoiding harsh assumptions about someone’s situation.

• Encouraging emotional honesty.

• Checking in on loved ones beyond “Have you eaten?”

• Making space for people to share without fear of judgement.

Especially in emotionally difficult situations, such as an unplanned pregnancy, parenting, struggles, grief, and trauma, compassion can make a profound difference.

There Is No Shame In Needing Help

One of the strongest messages we hope more people hear is this: You do not have to wait until you are completely falling apart before asking for support.

It is okay to admit:

• “I’m overwhelmed.”

• “I’m not coping well.”

• “I feel anxious.”

• “I feel alone.”

• “I need help.”

It is okay to need support sometimes. None of us were meant to carry everything alone. Reaching out for help does not mean you are weak. It simply means you are human.

Healing Happens In Community

Mental health awareness is not just about recognising illness. It is about creating environments where people feel safe enough to heal.

Healing often happens slowly:

Through support.

Through safe relationships.

Through honest conversations.

Through knowing someone stayed.

Here at aLife, we will continue to be here for society, building a compassionate community in Singapore. One where if you or someone you know is facing a difficult season, such as an unplanned pregnancy, know that you can reach out to us at 9183 4483. You will not be met with shame, but with dignity, compassion, and support.

Because no one should have to struggle alone in silence.

Read here for more information regarding IMH’s third SMHS: https://www.imh.com.sg/Newsroom/News-Releases/Documents/Press%20Release_IMHLaunchestheThirdSingapore%20Mental%20HealthStudy_FINAL_8May2026.pdf