The Singapore Institute of Mental Health (IMH) has reported significant improvements in mental health literacy among Singapore residents, with recognition of common conditions rising from 42.3% in 2014 to 58.9% in 2024.
Findings from the second Mind Matters: A Study of Mental Health Literacy, released on 19 November 2024, also show declining stigma toward mental health conditions.
The nationwide study, conducted from September 2022 to February 2024, surveyed 4,195 Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents aged 18 to 67.
Using vignettes that described hypothetical individuals with mental health conditions, researchers assessed participants’ ability to recognise the conditions, their attitudes, and their beliefs about appropriate sources of help.
Key findings highlight progress and gaps
Recognition of the seven mental health conditions included in the survey reached an overall rate of 63.3%. Dementia, Gambling Disorder, and Depression with Suicidality were the most recognised, with rates of 83.0%, 77.1%, and 72.1% respectively.
OCD and Schizophrenia, however, remained the least recognised conditions despite improved awareness since the first study.
Stigma significantly reduced
Stigma was assessed across three dimensions:
- Weak-not-sick perception: The tendency to view conditions as personal weaknesses rather than medical issues was highest for Gambling Disorder and Alcohol Abuse (mean scores of 10.5 and 10.1 out of 15) and lowest for Dementia (mean score of 8.2).
- Dangerousness or unpredictability: Alcohol Abuse, Gambling Disorder, and Schizophrenia were rated as the most dangerous or unpredictable conditions, with mean scores of 13.0 and 12.2 each, while OCD scored the lowest at 9.4.
- Social distancing: Respondents expressed the strongest desire for social distance from individuals with Schizophrenia, Alcohol Abuse, and Gambling Disorder (mean scores of 13.1 and 12.6). Depression and OCD were associated with the least desire for distance (mean scores of 10.5 and 10.7).
Older individuals aged 35–67, those with lower educational qualifications, and respondents earning less than S$6,000 per month were more likely to perceive mental health conditions as weaknesses or to express social distancing preferences.
Demographic disparities in recognition
Awareness of mental health conditions varied significantly across demographic groups:
- Age: Younger respondents aged 18–34 were more likely to recognise Schizophrenia and Dementia compared to older groups.
- Gender: Females were more likely to recognise OCD but less likely to recognise Gambling Disorder.
- Ethnicity: Malay respondents had higher recognition rates for OCD, while Indian respondents struggled more with identifying Dementia and Depression with Suicidality.
- Education and income: University-educated respondents showed greater awareness compared to those with only primary-level education. Similarly, higher-income individuals were more likely to recognise conditions compared to those earning less than S$10,000 per month.
Professor Chong Siow Ann, the study’s Principal Investigator, highlighted the importance of these findings, stating: “Improved mental health literacy helps build a culture where seeking help is viewed as a strength. Addressing gaps in recognition is crucial to reducing stigma and improving access to care.”
Help-seeking attitudes and recovery perceptions
Medical professionals were the most frequently recommended source of help (54.1%), followed by informal sources such as family and friends (37.1%).
Recommendations for community and social care services also increased f rom 5.2% in 2014 to 8.9% in 2024, reflecting growing awareness of alternative avenues of support.
- Conditions with the highest reliance on medical professionals: Dementia (85.7%), OCD (72.2%), and Schizophrenia (63.1%).
- Conditions where informal sources were preferred: Depression (59.3%), Depression with Suicidality (57.5%), and Gambling Disorder (39.7%).
When asked about recovery, the majority of respondents believed individuals with conditions such as Depression, OCD, and Alcohol Abuse could achieve “full recovery, but problems may come back.”
In contrast, Dementia was widely perceived as leading only to partial recovery, reflecting its degenerative nature.
Implications for mental health advocacy
The study underscores the effectiveness of Singapore’s mental health campaigns over the past eight years. Various public initiatives, including anti-stigma efforts and educational programmes, have contributed to improved awareness and attitudes.
Dr Tan Weng Mooi, Director of Integrated Health Promotion at MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation, stressed the need for open dialogue within families, especially for youth.
“We need to equip parents to support their children better and ensure accurate mental health information is accessible,” she said.
Ms Porsche Poh, Executive Director of Silver Ribbon (Singapore), added that the findings help shape outreach strategies.
“Understanding demographic variations allows us to target groups with lower recognition rates and develop more inclusive programmes,” she noted.
Challenges ahead
Despite progress, barriers remain. Misconceptions and stigma still disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including older individuals and those with lower incomes or education levels.
Associate Professor Mythily Subramaniam, Co-investigator of the study, expressed optimism about the findings: “The increased recognition and reduced stigma are a step towards a more inclusive society. However, sustained education and outreach are necessary to close existing gaps.”
The Mind Matters study, funded by the National Medical Research Council and Tote Board, included contributions from Silver Ribbon (Singapore), the MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation, and the University of Leipzig.
Its findings will guide future efforts to enhance mental health support and advocacy in Singapore.
