Dear fellow Singaporeans,
As we approach National Day, I am filled with pride and hope as I reflect on our nation’s journey, particularly in the space of mental health.
Over the past few years, we have witnessed a profound shift in how we have come to perceive and prioritise mental wellbeing in Singapore. Where once there was stigma and silence, we now see increased openness and dialogue. Having been a wellbeing educator for 20 years, I am encouraged by our progress and inspired by the potential for a healthier, more empathetic Singapore.
The 2020 National Population Health Survey highlights this shift, noting a rise in the prevalence of mental health issues. While this increase may be concerning, it also suggests that more people are seeking help, indicating a gradual reduction in the stigma surrounding mental health.
Many interventions have facilitated this progress. One notable initiative is “Beyond the Label” by the National Council of Social Services. Through its campaigns and educational programmes, Beyond the Label continues to challenge negative perceptions surrounding mental health, contributing to a more informed and supportive society.
The Mental Wellness Taskforce has been pivotal in reshaping our perceptions of mental wellbeing. Prompted by the unprecedented mental health challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the taskforce implemented several initiatives. Many of these efforts paved the way for current wellbeing initiatives, including the integration of mental health services into primary healthcare systems and the establishment of the Wellbeing Champion Network.
Schools are also making strides by integrating mental wellbeing into their curricula, teaching children resilience, mindfulness, and emotional literacy from an early age.
Beyond these individual successes across various sectors, these advancements highlight an essential truth: wellbeing is a collective effort. The interconnection of individual wellbeing with community and government initiatives highlights the need for a systemic approach to mental health. When schools, communities, and workplaces prioritise mental health, they create a supportive network that enables individuals to thrive by dismantling stigma, fostering dialogue, and ensuring accessibility of resources for everyone.
As we acknowledge the progress we have made, let’s also look forward to the path ahead.
Continuing our progress in mental health requires ongoing advocacy and education to enhance accessibility and affordability for all. Integrating mental wellbeing education into our national curriculum is a crucial step forward. Our focus must now be on nurturing and growing these efforts to create environments in both schools and homes that foster healing and growth. By continuously enhancing and broadening these initiatives, we can establish nurturing spaces that promote resilience, emotional development, and a thriving community.
Moreover, cultivating positive psychology practices—such as gratitude, optimism, resilience, appreciation, and meaning—can significantly improve our mental and emotional wellbeing. By incorporating these principles into our daily routines and organisational cultures, we create spaces where individuals can flourish, feeling supported and valued. This holistic approach not only enhances personal wellbeing but also fosters a more compassionate and productive community.
Our commitment to wellbeing should also extend to our environment. Research shows that spending time in nature can boost wellbeing by up to 26%, as natural settings evoke positive emotions such as awe that are less commonly felt in urban environments. Promoting green spaces and sustainable practices benefits both our environment and our quality of life. This responsibility extends beyond corporate and government initiatives; each of us must contribute to the stewardship of our planet.
As a Singaporean, I treasure living in a garden city, where park connectors and tree-lined roads provide abundant opportunities to connect with nature. This is a privilege we must not take for granted. We must also ask ourselves: if nature enhances our wellbeing, what steps are we taking to ensure we are giving back to our planet?
As we celebrate National Day, let us take a moment to appreciate the collective journey we have undertaken towards a more compassionate and resilient Singapore, and continue to build on these foundations, fostering environments that support mental health and wellbeing for all. Through our collective efforts, we can create a Singapore where every individual can flourish, and where our shared commitment to both personal and environmental wellbeing propels us toward a brighter future.
Here’s to a future filled with hope, resilience, and wellbeing for all. Happy National Day!
Warm regards,
Stephen Lew
CEO & Founder, The School of Positive Psychology
