A silver lining of the Covid-19 pandemic is that mental health issues have rapidly become a common conversation topic among more Singaporeans.
So how can we move forward while also recognising and acknowledging the diversity of personalities, opinions, and beliefs that exist? Here is how I believe we can do so.The challenge with changing attitudes towards mental health issues and the reality of the situation is that not everyone will experience severe mental ill-health.
Hence, we cannot afford to rush these changes but should find ways to allow for more positive interactions to occur between individuals with and without mental health challenges. Eventually, the hope is that enough people have sufficient positive experiences with mental health issues or people experiencing them to create new norms.Every individual is unique and will have their own life experiences, perspectives, and beliefs.
However, it is when we are able to find a commonly accepted language and shared beliefs that we will be able to truly move forward towards inclusivity.Far too often, advocacy efforts that preach inclusivity, while fully well-intentioned, end up creating more division and defensiveness, instead of bringing people together in collaboration.
This added challenge is due to the nature of professional interpersonal relationships in mental health support, which is an entirely normal part of the process. Services are also often subsidised. Private sector organisations could also be an option if financial resources are not an issue but do ensure that your service providers are registered with their respective professional bodies such as the Singapore Medical Council , Singapore Psychological Society , and the Singapore Association for Counselling .