While mental health challenges remain a concern in the city-state, especially for young adults aged 18-29, Singaporeans have shown greater willingness to seek help for their mental well-being, according to the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) National Population Health Survey (NPHS) 2024.
The data released by MOH on Friday showed that the overall prevalence of poor mental health stood at 15.4% in 2024, a figure that has remained stable in recent years.
Among younger adults, however, the rate was significantly higher at 25.5%.
The survey also found growing openness toward seeking support. The proportion of residents turning to informal support networks rose from 78.4% in 2023 to 81.8% in 2024.
Over a longer period, from 2019 to 2024, willingness to seek help from informal sources increased from 74.5% to 81.8%, while those seeking professional help rose sharply from 47.8% to 64%.
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Government strengthens mental health support
To better support Singaporeans facing mental health concerns, the government has launched the “First Stops for Mental Health” initiative to make the assistance more accessible.
According to the Ministry of Health, it uses a “no wrong door” approach, connecting people in distress to the right services through resources such as the Mindline 1771 helpline, the self-help portal mindline.sg, and community outreach teams.
The government has also strengthened efforts to equip individuals with emotional coping skills and peer support training through the Agency for Integrated Care’s online mental health awareness courses, as well as the Health Promotion Board’s annual campaigns and new peer support e-learning programs.
Increasing psychiatrists, psychologists
Last year, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who was then the deputy prime minister, emphasised the importance of addressing mental health in Singapore, saying that the government will increase the number of psychiatrists and psychologists in the country by 30% to 40% by 2030.
He also said that 28,000 frontline personnel and volunteers have been trained to better identify and assist individuals facing mental health challenges.
“Our plans are not static. We will continue to evolve and update them, including taking on board the many useful suggestions from members in this debate,” said Wong, as quoted by The Straits Times.
“So let there be no doubt: The government is making mental health and well-being a key priority in our national agenda,” he added.
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Geoffrey H. Latayan 
Vivien Bernardino