Mental Wellness in Singapore: A Guide

Good mental health and wellbeing helps you cope with the stresses of daily life, but stress and anxiety are increasingly becoming prominent in modern life. The National Council of Social Service (NCSS) Quality of Life Study revealed that a quarter of Singaporean adults (26%) have mild depressive or anxiety symptoms¹. A further 19% have moderate symptoms. With the right education, each of us can take healthy steps toward mental wellness and health.

For what it’s worth, that sounds like something that each of us are trying to achieve in our daily lives. As we spend more time at home due to social restrictions, it is important to be aware of our state of mind, as the risk of catching ‘cabin fever’ is real. Here are some of the steps you can take to improve your health and overall wellbeing.

What is Mental Health and Wellness?

According to the World Health Organization, mental health is described as “a state of wellbeing in which an individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community².”

Good mental health does not only mean the absence of any mental health conditions. Instead it's about creating conditions that allow individuals to thrive and enjoy good relationships and opportunities.

Tips to Boost Your Mental Wellbeing

Cultivating good mental health may require taking active steps toward you mental wellbeing. Here's where to start.

Devote more time to loved ones

Engage with your family to build stronger and closer relationships. Instead of spending hours in front of screens, why not have dinner together, try your hand at a board game, or work on a home-based project if venturing outside isn’t an option? Good relationships provide emotional support and they are critical to your mental wellbeing. They also help you to foster a deeper sense of belonging and self-worth³.

Take Care of Your Body

Feeling lethargic? It is easy to neglect exercise when feeling stressed or strung out⁴. Stay active and fit by going for an occasional walk, run or swim, or make an appointment with your buddies to go for a weekend cycling adventure. Working out is one of the best ways to treat stress issues. In fact, failing to exercise can also lead to chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and other obesity-related illnesses. Of course, maintaining a nutritious diet and getting sufficient sleep are equally important too. Remember that physical and mental health are connected. Addressing physical needs can help boost mental health.

Be Mindful of Your State of Mind

Pay attention to your needs and feelings when you are coping with stress. This sense of self awareness, sometimes referred to as mindfulness, is an effective remedy against psychological distress such as worries or anxiety⁵. Meditation, for example, is a great way to start. Practising such mental exercises helps you to focus on the present, instead of allowing your mind to dwell on negative thoughts. Make it a point to see the humour in life as well. Studies suggest that laughter helps to reduce stress hormones and boost the immune system too⁶

Tune out Before You Burn Out

If left unmanaged, day-to-day stress can lead to burnout when burdened by too many priorities and a poor work-life balance . For instance, if you are starting to feel on the verge of exhaustion, speak to your manager about your workload. If necessary, examine and adjust your lifestyle to incorporate more physical and mindfulness activities.

Pick Up a New Hobby

When we feel worried, lonely or anxious, we may stop doing the things we typically enjoy. If you can’t engage in an outdoor activity, make an effort to focus on a hobby you can do at home. It can feel like a challenge, especially when you are feeling down or unmotivated, but the emotional rewards are well worth the effort. Bake, cook, sing or paint — find something that works for you. These activities help to build your self-esteem and provide you with a sense of achievement. Staying socially active is just as vital. For example, consider joining an online community related to your hobby or “hang out” with your friends over your favourite online game.

While the tips above give you a general indication on how to improve your mental wellness, it is hard to find a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to fighting stress. Ultimately, you’ll need to figure out the best way to unwind on your own terms. If a simple walk in the park or having a long chat with a friend makes you feel better — go for it! Maintaining healthy relationships with people you trust is pivotal to your mental wellbeing.

 

Sources:

1. Straits Times (2025). 1 in 4 adults in Singapore experiences mild symptoms of depression, anxiety: Study.
2. Health Organisation. (2019). Mental health: Strengthening Our Response.
3. National Health Service (NHS). (2019). 5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing.
4. Cigna. (2020). Building a Whole Person Health Approach to Chronic Stress at Work.
5. Keng, SL., Smoski, M. & Robins, C. (2011). Effects of Mindfulness on Psychological Health: A Review of Empirical Studies.
6. Northwestern Medicine. Healing Through Humour.