Reaching out to the young

Organisations continue their efforts in helping young people cope with mental health issues.

By Terese Lim

Mr Jordan Goh, 23, a student, has been dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder and slight depression for the past six years.

“It’s extremely hard to fight it yourself. It’s like fighting fire with fire,” he said.

Mental health organisations have been reaching out to young people like Mr Goh suffering from mental health issues through creative means.

According to the latest Singapore Mental Health Study, one in seven Singaporeans have experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime, with young adults being most at risk.

The study reported young adults are more at risk because they are going through multiple transitions in life and facing new challenges, some of which can be rather stressful.

The increase in the numbers of people seeking help for mental health issues has prompted Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) to start an initiative that provides therapy through art.

Creative SAY! is a preventive and wellness centre at Marsiling that uses sports, outdoor and expressive arts to promote mental well-being.

They offer art therapy where young people with mental health issues or who face difficulties in coping with the pressures of life can take part in their activities.

Dr Francis Yeo, president of the SAMH, said this was “found to be very therapeutic for them” and “they feel better after taking part in these art activities”.

Activities include dance, music, drama and visual arts. All of which provide ways for the young to express their emotions.

Ms Jane Goh, assistant director of SAMH’s creative services, said: “Art therapy is more clinical. We guide them through their problems and use art as a channel for them to convey their troubles.”

“These have helped them to grow more confident and allow them to realise that they can achieve much more.”

According to the study, increased use of social media could be another reason why young people are more at risk. Yet it could also be used as a tool to reach out to those with mental health disorders.

Silver Ribbon (Singapore) created an Instagram account in conjunction with the launch of their #tieitpledgeit campaign for youths. PHOTO: SILVER RIBBON (SINGAPORE)

Silver Ribbon (Singapore) partnered with National Council of Social Service (NCSS) in spreading a video clip on social media titled Beyond The Label to address stigma faced by persons with mental health conditions in society.

The social experiment video reached about 2.9 million views.

Ms Cindy Tan, assistant director of NCSS, said what was more encouraging was the “outpouring of support” and how “a lot of people came forward to share their stories”.

Mr Daniel Lim, 21, a student who struggles with anxiety disorder, said it is a “good way to spread awareness of mental health” and “show that people with mental health conditions are just like anyone else”.

Limitless was involved in Mental Health Awareness Week at National University of Singapore as part of one of their campaigns to help youths relabel themselves. PHOTO: ASHER LOW

Limitless, a non-profit organisation founded in 2017, conducts outreach events in schools where they speak to young people about mental health.

The 2016 study found that more than three-quarters of people with a mental disorder did not seek any professional help.

Ms Megan Tang, head counsellor of Limitless, said Limitless gives them “the courage to know there’s nothing wrong with what they’re struggling with” and “they don’t have to deal with it alone”.

Limitless also teaches young people how to help their peers grappling with mental health conditions.

Mr Asher Low, 31, executive director of Limitless, said the first response of young people struggling with mental health issues is to go to a friend.

“We want to empower young people to act as well because it’s their generation, it’s their peers. So it’s something that they should take notice of as well.”

Mr Goh went through a year of therapy before entering National Service where he received help from Institute of Mental Health. He said it opened his eyes to see that he was not alone and that his conditions do not represent him.

With more efforts being done in the community to help young people suffering from mental illness, Mr Goh said there is hope for those who have yet to seek help.