Launch Of The Mind Your Mind Programme 2003 In Conjunction With World Mental Health Day

11 Oct 2003

By Dr Balaji Sadasivan

Venue: Toa Payoh Hdb Hub Auditorium

Introduction

I am pleased to join you here this afternoon at the launch of this year's Mind Your Mind Mental Health Education Programme in conjunction with World Mental Health Day.

Depression - A Global Problem

Mental health is crucial to the overall well-being of individuals. Mental illness has a large impact on individuals, their families and the community. In addition to suffering from the distressing symptoms of mental illness, these people also suffer because they are unable to participate in work and leisure activities, often as a result of discrimination.

In recent years mental health issues have generated much public health interest worldwide. A study on the Global Burden of Disease by the Harvard School of Public Health in collaboration with the World Health Organisation and World Bank showed that the burden of mental illness has been greatly underestimated in the past. According to the study, depression was responsible for more than one in every ten years of life lived with a disability in 1990.

The World Health Organisation's World Health Report in 2001 ranked depression as the leading cause of disability and the 4th leading contributor to the global burden of disease in the year 2000. It is projected that depression will become the 2nd leading contributor to the global burden of disease by the year 2020.

In Singapore, a 1998 study on "The Mental Health of a Nation" reported that the prevalence of depression in Singaporeans aged 13 to 65 years is 8.6%. The study shows that depression affects all ages, including children and is seen in both males and females.

Perception of Depression

A Survey conducted by the Health Promotion Board in 2002 on Singaporeans' knowledge and attitude towards mental disorders showed that while the majority of people had heard about depression and could identify some of the symptoms, they have misconceptions about this condition.

The survey reported that one in four Singaporeans thought that people with depression have "only themselves to blame" for their condition and two out of three viewed depression as a condition in which depressed people could use their personal willpower to pull themselves together if they wanted to.

Understanding Depression

The survey findings show that we need to improve Singaporeans' knowledge and understanding of mental illness. As depression is projected to become one of the leading contributors to the burden of disease, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression so that people with this condition can be detected and treated early. Depression is characterised by sadness, loss of interest in activities and decreased energy. People with depression may also have loss of confidence and self esteem, diminished concentration, sleep disturbance and thoughts of death and suicide. We must increase the awareness of depression as a medical condition that requires treatment.

To address this issue, the Institute of Mental Health, Singapore Association for Mental Health together with the Health Promotion Board will be implementing public education programmes. These include mass media programmes on television, radio and the press. Activities such as forums and talks at workplaces and community venues will also be held. A VCD has been developed for use by primary school teachers to conduct lessons for school children on "Managing Emotions". It deals with topics on stress and anger and teaches children coping skills. In November this year, a VCD on mental health for secondary schools will be launched. This VCD aims to help students deal with issues such as self acceptance, self esteem, peer pressure, communication, stress and depression.

I urge Singaporeans to learn more about mental health and mental disorders and talk about them. This way, we can understand mental illness better and empathise with and reduce discrimination towards persons suffering from mental illness.

We must also educate and empower Singaporeans with the skills to maintain their mental well being and reduce their vulnerability to depression. Studies show that we can develop or enhance our sense of mental well being by forming good interpersonal relationships, improving family communication and building community support. At the same time, I would like to encourage Singaporeans to develop or enhance their psychological resilience by adopting a more flexible and less rigid attitude, by being more optimistic and learning to adapt to life's changes and to share one's feelings when burdened with problems.

This afternoon's forum on "Beyond the Blues" which deals with the issues of depression in children and adolescents is part of the ongoing public education programme. I am certain all participants will find this afternoon's forum interesting and educational.

Thank you.