With the ever-increasing number of Singaporeans facing mental health challenges, there has been a corresponding increase in efforts to mitigate the impact and raise awareness of these issues.

World Mental Health Day
Observed on the 10th of October annually, World Mental Health Day advocates mental health awareness. It hopes to illuminate mental health challenges both figuratively and literally, with more than 20 monuments in Singapore lit up in blue to support those who may be feeling blue. Furthermore, it aims to extend a hand to those struggling with mental health conditions, urging them to voice their troubles rather than repress them.
Public Education Campaigns
National Council of Social Service’s (NCSS) Beyond the Label (BTL)
BTL aims to tackle stigma and promote a society that embraces and accepts individuals with mental health illnesses. By increasing access to resources, such as mental health information and financial subsidies, it hopes to empower communities with the tools to fight stigma and cope with mental health conditions. Additionally, it offers integration support and intervention within local communities.
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Health Promotion Board’s “It’s OKAY to Reach Out”
It aims to foster more open conversations about mental health, making it more salient in the public’s consciousness and deepening understanding of mental wellness. By doing so, it empowers them to seek professional help and take the initiative to look after their mental wellness. This is accomplished by equipping them with information on coping with the stressors in their day-to-day lives.
Workplace Mental Wellbeing Campaign
The Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council launched the campaign on 9 December 2021. It aims to encourage people to seek support in their workplaces to better manage their mental well-being and emphasise the integral role that mental wellness plays in our overall well-being.
Other Government Initiatives
The SG Mental Well-Being Network
Launched in July 2022 by the Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth, it hopes to raise community awareness of mental health challenges and foster support between individuals, striving to build a compassionate and inclusive society. Through the formation of Well-being Circles, volunteers are equipped with the necessary skills to support citizens in caring for their mental wellness.
Singapore’s National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy
Established on 5 October 2023 by the Inter-agency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-being, it aims to create an efficient mental health system that ensures accessible mental healthcare, allowing individuals to seek professional treatment without fear of discrimination.
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It focuses on:
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Enhancing care integration between health and social services
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Supporting employee wellness in the workplace
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Providing services that foster mental health literacy
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Making mental health resources and services more accessible
Mental Health Advocacy Groups
SG Mental Health Matters
By launching public consultations on mental health, this advocacy group provides a platform for Singaporeans to share their thoughts on mental health in a constructive and supportive manner. Since more people can join in on the conversation, this platform helps to normalise the topic of mental health and foster a sense of solidarity, generating community awareness of mental health challenges.
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Silver Ribbon (Singapore)
Established in 2005, Silver Ribbon is a nonprofit that conducts community mental health training on topics such as understanding the importance of mental well-being, recognising symptoms of mental health conditions, and communicating with and supporting persons with mental health issues.
Sources:
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Agency for Integrated Care, Institute of Mental Health, Health Promotion Board, National Council of Social Service, Chan, N., Soo, V., Fung, D., Puthucheary, J., & Tan, K. C. (2021, October 1). Singapore’s landmarks to light up in blue for World Mental Health Day 2021 [Press release]. https://www.aic.sg/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/WMHD-2021-Media-Release-FF.pdf
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Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. (2023, 13 April). SG Mental Well-Being Network. https://www.mccy.gov.sg/sector/initiatives/sg-mental-wellbeing-network#
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Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. (2022, 16 July). Launch of the SG Mental Well-Being Network on 16 July 2022. https://www.mccy.gov.sg/about-us/news-and-resources/speeches/2022/july/launch-of-the-SG-mental-well-being-network
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Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social and Family Development. (2023, 5 October). MOH | News Highlights. https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/launch-of-national-mental-health-and-well-being-strategy
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National Council of Social Service. (2023, 20 December). Beyond the label - A Mental Health Anti-Stigma Movement. https://www.ncss.gov.sg/our-initiatives/beyond-the-label
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SG Mental Health Matters. (n.d.). SG Mental health matters. https://sgmentalhealthmatters.com/about
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Silver Ribbon (Singapore). (n.d.). Silver Ribbon (Singapore) - About us - Vision & mission. https://www.silverribbonsingapore.com/vismis.html
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Workplace Mental Well-being Campaign 2021. (n.d.). https://www.tal.sg/wshc/campaigns/2021/workplace-mental-well-being-campaign-2021#
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Yong, C. (2021, October 30). National mental well-being campaign aims to equip S’poreans with skills to support family, friends. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/national-mental-well-being-campaign-launched-to-equip-people-with-skills-to-help