Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, particularly for young people navigating the complexities of adolescence and early adulthood.
In this season of change, young people might find it hard to cope with coming into maturity. Navigating school, personal relationships and added responsibilities can be a lot for a young person to handle. All these stressors can take a toll on a person, and bring about negative effects on their mental health without proper guidance or intervention.
Recognizing signs of poor mental health early can make a significant difference in outcomes. Here are the top 10 ways to identify these signs and understand when and how to seek help in Singapore.
1. Changes in Mood
Recognizing the Signs
Significant and persistent changes in mood, such as prolonged sadness, irritability, or extreme mood swings, can indicate poor mental health.
These moods swings can not only affect the person experiencing them, but the people around them as well.
When the affected person experiences a negative mood swing, they might lash out at their friends and family, potentially causing friction in the relationship. This can cause more distress to the affected persons involved.
Young people may become noticeably more anxious or depressed without apparent reasons.
When to Seek Help
If these mood changes persist for more than two weeks or interfere with daily life, it’s time to consider seeking professional help.
Consider help if these mood swings also start to negatively impact your interpersonal relationships.
How to Seek Help in Singapore
Start by discussing these concerns with a trusted adult, such as a parent or teacher. They can assist in contacting a mental health professional. Organizations like Silver Ribbon Singapore and the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) provide resources and support.
2. Social Withdrawal
Recognizing the Signs
Young people who start withdrawing from friends and family, losing interest in activities they once enjoyed, or isolating themselves may be struggling with their mental health.
While it is good to indulge in some alone time every now ad then for peace, quiet and healthy reflection, it may be a cause for concern when an individual is isolating themselves for a prolonged period of time.
When to Seek Help
Social withdrawal that continues for several weeks and affects relationships or academic performance warrants professional attention.
How to Seek Help in Singapore
Contacting school counsellors or reaching out to youth-centric services like YouthReach by SAMH can provide a safe space to discuss these issues and find appropriate support.
One can also start mingling in smaller groups first, with close family members or friends. If the idea of a large social gathering is too intimidating, start small and work your way up.
3. Changes in Eating or Sleeping Patterns
Recognizing the Signs
Noticeable changes in eating or sleeping habits, such as eating significantly more or less, insomnia, or oversleeping, can be symptoms of underlying mental health issues.
A balanced diet and adequate sleep is crucial for a healthy life. Too much or too little nutrition can have adverse long lasting negative effects on the body.
Too much or too little sleep can make someone lethargic or irritable during the day, further adding strain and stress.
When to Seek Help
If these changes persist for more than a few weeks or result in physical health problems, it’s crucial to seek help.
Sometimes, it might not just be a mental health issue, but a sign or physical strain as well.
It is important to seek help earlier rather than later, and take all the necessary steps for a full recovery.
How to Seek Help in Singapore
Visit a General Practitioner (GP) who can assess the situation and refer you to specialists if necessary. Polyclinics in Singapore also offer mental health services.
4. Decline in Academic Performance
Recognizing the Signs
A sudden drop in academic performance, lack of concentration, or disinterest in school can be indicators of mental health struggles.
If the struggle has been consistent through your academic journey, it might be a sign pointing towards a learning disability or other mental conditions.
With the correct interventions or concessions, it is wholly possible to still succeed academically, with support from parents and teachers.
When to Seek Help
If the academic decline is consistent and linked with other behavioural changes, professional advice should be sought.
Interventions should be done in an uplifting manner, so as avoid damage to self-perception or self-esteem.
How to Seek Help in Singapore
School counsellors can provide initial support and guidance. Additionally, organizations like Care Singapore offer counselling and intervention programs for students.
5. Physical Symptoms Without Clear Causes
Recognizing the Signs
Frequent complaints of unexplained physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue can be linked to stress and mental health issues.
When to Seek Help
Persistent physical complaints without medical explanations should be investigated further with mental health in mind.
How to Seek Help in Singapore
Consult with a GP to rule out physical causes and consider referral to a mental health specialist. Community health centres can also be a resource for integrated care.
6. Substance Abuse
Recognizing the Signs
Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances can be a coping mechanism for underlying mental health issues.
For students aged 18 and above, partaking in nightlife is a part of social engagement and blowing off steam.
However, overindulging in these pastimes can not only have an adverse effect on mental health, but can cause health issues as well.
When to Seek Help
Early signs of substance abuse should be addressed immediately as they can quickly escalate and worsen mental health.
Not only can it negatively affect mental health, it can affect physical health as well. Excessive drinking and smoking can cause harm to the liver and respiratory system in the long run.
How to Seek Help in Singapore
Seek help from organizations such as the National Addictions Management Service (NAMS) at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), which provides specialized support for addiction issues.
7. Behavioural Changes
Recognizing the Signs
Significant behavioural changes, such as increased aggression, risk-taking behaviours, or hyperactivity, can be indicators of mental health problems.
These behaviours might be commonly attributed to “acting out” especially in younger children.
This is because they might be experiencing negative feelings or stresses that they do not know how to communicate, and look for attention from adults or peers around them though negative behaviour.
If you are witnessing this behaviour from your child or someone you know, it may be taxing to work though it, but important to find the root cause of the negative behaviour.
When to Seek Help
If these behaviours are new, severe, or causing harm to the individual or others, professional help is necessary.
How to Seek Help in Singapore
Contacting mental health services like CHAT (Community Health Assessment Team) at the Institute of Mental Health can provide initial assessments and support.
8. Expressions of Hopelessness or Suicidal Thoughts
Recognizing the Signs
Verbal expressions of hopelessness, worthlessness, or thoughts of self-harm and suicide are critical signs that need immediate attention.
While this might be difficult for a parent or trusted adult to hear and acknowledge, it is important that the person experiencing these thoughts feels supported through this difficult time.
Try to get them to identify why they might be having these thoughts, whether it is through internal stresses like low-self esteem or external stresses like bullying.
This is without a doubt, a difficult situation to be in for the whole family, but with the right support and intervention, things can get better!
When to Seek Help
These expressions should always be taken seriously and acted upon without delay.
How to Seek Help in Singapore
In emergencies, call the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) 24-hour hotline at 1800-221-4444 or visit the nearest emergency department. For ongoing support, mental health professionals at hospitals and specialized clinics can provide comprehensive care.
9. Difficulty Managing Daily Tasks
Recognizing the Signs
Struggling with everyday tasks such as personal hygiene, managing time, or completing assignments can indicate deteriorating mental health.
When to Seek Help
If these difficulties persist and hinder daily functioning, professional intervention is needed.
How to Seek Help in Singapore
Engage with school counsellors, and GPs, or contact organizations like the Singapore Counselling Centre for assistance and referrals.
10. Loss of Interest in Future Plans
Recognizing the Signs
A marked disinterest in future plans, goals, or previously exciting opportunities can signal mental health concerns.
When to Seek Help
When this disinterest is persistent and impacts motivation and daily life, seeking help is essential.
How to Seek Help in Singapore
Seek guidance from career counsellors or mental health professionals who can provide strategies to regain motivation and address underlying issues.
Recognizing the signs of poor mental health in young people is critical to providing timely and effective support. Parents, teachers, and peers play a vital role in identifying these signs and encouraging those affected to seek help. In Singapore, a robust network of mental health services is available, ranging from school counsellors to specialized clinics, ensuring that young people have access to the care they need. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and help young individuals lead fulfilling, healthy lives.
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