How society can come together to tackle a pandemic-induced mental health crisis

I refer to the report, “Society must recognise potential mental health crisis following Covid-19, says Singapore doctor” (July 10).

This timely report noted that the impact of Covid-19 may be severe, unpredictable and protracted. The coronavirus may, indeed, recur in phases for months, if not years, to come.

At our online counselling practice, we have seen the Covid-19 outbreak exacerbate anxiety in those already facing other challenges.   

The TODAY report helpfully sets out some ways individuals can look after themselves, including by doing mindfulness exercises, finding ways to connect socially, and developing hobbies.

While these are valuable tips, deeper shifts are needed in cultural attitudes towards mental health, such that its importance is fully recognised.

During this period, individuals need to work on their mental health. This also needs to be a priority for them in their various roles, as a friend, colleague and family member. It must also be a priority for government agencies, organisations and employers.

While individuals can do more to look after their mental health, they often need the right external support to stave off mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, and feel more fulfilled.

Such cultural shifts cannot happen without an open acknowledgement in homes and workplaces that it is desirable to prioritise mental health, and that it is okay to take a break from work, practise self-care and set boundaries at work or at home.

In addition, it may be a good idea to educate oneself about the warning signs of poor mental health in others as well and learn how you can help. Such signs could include social withdrawal, a loss of interest in hobbies, or outbursts.

Employers may also wish to consider boosting their employee benefit schemes to include assistance programmes.

These could take the form of webinars for staff members to increase awareness of mental health issues as well as the provision of employer-subsidised or employer-sponsored counselling services to improve access to support.

In 2017, a National Council of Social Service survey of 505 companies found that for every S$1 invested in workplace adjustments — including access to counselling — to support employees recovering from mental health conditions, it generated an average return of S$5.60.

Indeed, boosting the morale of employees has tangible benefits for organisations and society at large down the line, including increased productivity, lower absenteeism and reduced healthcare costs.

While the pandemic is not within our control, coming together as a society to manage the mental health crisis is very much so.

ABOUT THE WRITER:

Ms Shilpa Jain is the founder of Talk Your Heart Out, a Singapore-based online counselling and executive coaching platform.

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