What is Mental Health?
The World Health Organisation describes mental health as:
“… a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.”
In this positive sense, mental health is the foundation for the well-being and effective functioning of individuals and communities.
However, mental health conditions include mental disorders (e.g. Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease) and psychosocial disabilities (e.g. Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder), as well as other mental states associated with significant distress, impairment in functioning, or risk of self-harm.
The latest mental health study led by Institute of Mental Health reported on 11 Dec 2018 reported that
- one in seven people in Singapore have experienced a mental disorder such as bipolar disorder or alcohol abuse in their lifetime, an increase from roughly one in eight several years ago;
- Depression was the most common mental disorder, with one in 16 people in Singapore having the condition at some point in their lives;
- One in 24 people experienced alcohol abuse and
- One in 28 people suffered from obsessive compulsive disorder.
The stigma that surrounds mental illness often prevents people from seeking treatment, and the consequences of untreated mental illness can be shattering, leading to unnecessary disability, homelessness, unemployment, incarceration and even suicide. Silver Ribbon (Singapore) believes that the earlier an illness is detected and treated, the better the treatment outcome.
The Silver Ribbon is a powerful symbol for promoting mental health awareness and breaking the stigma of mental illness, as internationally, it has been used for raising awareness to support children with disabilities, people suffering from Parkinson’s Disease, any diseases or disorders of the brain including strokes, as well as elderly abuse.
A Closer Look at Silver Ribbon (Singapore)
Former President S.R. Nathan officially launched Silver Ribbon (Singapore) on February 4, 2006. Over the years, it has become a beacon for mental health advocacy, focusing on education, support, and community engagement. The organisation works tirelessly to raise awareness through annual World Mental Health Day events, public and corporate collaborations, and mental health literacy initiatives.
Silver Ribbon (Singapore) fosters partnerships with institutions like Nanyang Technological University and AWARE Singapore. One of its milestones was advocating for the decriminalisation of suicide, a change implemented in 2020. It also offers innovative programs, such as:
- Youth Mental Health Kits to address the needs of younger generations.
- The S.A.G.E. Initiative empowers grandparents to support their grandchildren’s mental health and promotes resilience across generations.
- Counselling Services, particularly essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, when loneliness and anxiety peaked, and many seniors sought assistance through helplines.
Recognising community efforts, the Silver Ribbon Mental Health Awards celebrate organisations that create mental health-friendly environments, further promoting inclusivity and support.
What, Then, Can We Do?
Every individual can play a role in supporting mental health advocacy:
- Volunteer (Silver Ribbon (Singapore) – Sign Up – Volunteer): Join as part of the Silver Ribbon Youth Chapter or assist as event coordinators, speakers, or emcees. Volunteers are the heart of awareness campaigns, helping to spread knowledge and empathy.
- Donate (Silver Ribbon (Singapore) – Donate): Contributions to Silver Ribbon (Singapore) directly support initiatives like counselling services, mental health kits, and educational programs. Donations can be made via PayNow, Giving.sg, or at the Silver Ribbon office.
By contributing your time and resources or simply starting conversations about mental health, you can help foster an inclusive society that uplifts those living with mental health conditions. Together, we can reflect the hope and compassion the silver ribbon embodies, creating a brighter future for all.
Prayer on Concerning Mental Health in Singapore
1. For Mental Health Awareness and Early Intervention
Pray that our society will grow in understanding and compassion towards mental health challenges. Ask God to break the stigma surrounding mental health so that individuals feel safe to seek help. Pray for early detection and treatment of mental illnesses to prevent further distress and promote healing.
2. For Support and Empowerment of Those Affected
Lift up in prayer for those experiencing mental health conditions, such as depression, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Pray for effective treatment, access to resources, and a strong support system. Also, ask God to bless organisations like Silver Ribbon (Singapore) as they advocate, educate, and provide critical services.
3. For Volunteers, Donors, and Advocates
Pray for individuals to step forward as volunteers, donors, and mental health advocates. Ask for wisdom and courage for all who work to foster mental health-friendly environments, whether in families, workplaces, or communities. May their efforts bring hope and a brighter future for those in need.
To Find Out More, Please Visit:
Silver Ribbon (Singapore) – Advocacy – Facts
Silver Ribbon (Singapore) – About Us – Introduction
Custom Awareness Ribbon Pin Colors and Awareness Ribbon Meanings | The Pin People
Silver Ribbon (Singapore) – About Us – Vision & Mission
Silver Ribbon (Singapore) – Advocacy – Decriminalisation of Suicide
Silver Ribbon (Singapore) – Schools – Youth Mental Health Resource Kit
Silver Ribbon (Singapore) – Community – Complimentary Counselling Service
https://silverribbonsingapore.com/a4c/a4c_20220516.pdf
Silver Ribbon (Singapore) – Schools – Silver Ribbon Mental Health Awards Ceremony for Schools
Silver Ribbon (Singapore) – Workplace – Silver Ribbon Mental Health Awards Ceremony for Employers
