Mental Health And Related Issues

Expanding Understanding Of Mental Health And Related Issues

Mental wellbeing is deeply tied to many every aspects of our lives. Despite being as essential as physical health, it often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Mental health challenges can affect anyone, no matter their age, background, or profession. It is important to understand that these struggles aren’t a sign of weakness but part of being human. 

Unfortunately, stigma and misunderstandings about mental health still hold many people back from seeking help. In Singapore, while conversations around psychological health are becoming more open, there’s still progress to be made in creating a safe, supportive environment for everyone.

This article aims to shed light on the importance of mental wellness, debunk some common myths, and provide insights towards being mentally healthier. Whether you’re facing mental health issues in Singapore, seeking to understand the issue of mental health, or learning how to support others, this article will be relevant and helpful to you. 

Common Misconceptions About Mental Health

Understanding what is mental health and mental wellbeing begins with challenging stereotypes and rethinking how we view mental health. It’s often narrowly seen as an illness or clinical condition, but this perspective can be limiting. A more inclusive approach recognises mental health issues as deeply personal struggles related to emotional, psychological, behavioural, or relational dynamics which we can do something about. This expanded outlook opens the door to healing, growth, and meaningful change.

mental health wellness

When one’s mental health is affected due to actual medical pathologies such as Alzheimer’s or brain injuries, these are considered medical conditions with certain approaches to treat the conditions medically. However, for most, mental health issues arise from challenges in managing emotions, thought patterns, compulsive behaviours, or overwhelming situations and disconnecting relationships. These struggles are related to  individual circumstances, experiences, relationships, coping styles adopted from before. Research and developments in neuroscience have shown that people can grow and mental health can improve with new choices.  

Psychiatrist Dr William Glasser, who developed Choice Theory, believes that people who struggle with their mental health are people who are unhappy. And so, to be mentally healthy, we can learn to be happy again by building connecting  relationships with the important people in our lives, pursuing fulfilling activities we enjoy, and changing perspectives to help us gain greater internal freedom. 

Seeing mental health solely as an illness can feel disempowering, and may lead to unnecessary diagnosis.  Adopting the additional broader, more holistic perspective and practicing it with compassion for ourselves and others inspires hope and is empowering in creating positive, transformative changes in their lives.

Addressing Misconceptions

Here are some common misconceptions about mental health issues, along with ways to reframe them with empathy and understanding:

1. “People with Mental Health Issues Are Unwell and Dangerous”

This harmful belief fosters stigma and isolates those already vulnerable. Struggling with emotions like anxiety or depression doesn’t make someone dangerous or unapproachable. Labelling these experiences as illnesses can add unnecessary barriers and shame.

Instead, recognising the person beyond their struggles encourages compassion and understanding. Creating safe, supportive spaces at home, work, and school allows empathy to flourish and helps individuals feel encouraged to seek support.

2. “Mental Health Issues Are a Reflection of Weakness”

Life’s challenges affect everyone; relationships, work, and personal goals often bring stress or emotional turmoil. Feeling overwhelmed or lost at times is part of the human experience, rather than weakness.

Seeking help through therapy or simply opening up to someone you trust is a courageous and empowering choice. It shows strength and a commitment to improving one’s life and wellbeing.

3. “Mental Health Concerns Are Rare”

Mental health concerns are more common than many realise, affecting people across all ages and backgrounds. Prolonged stress, unresolved pain, or feelings of fear, anger and disappointment can take a toll on both mind and body. Recognising that these experiences are universal but differ in intensity from person to person helps normalise them and encourage conversations about them. Early support, such as anxiety counselling, anger management counselling, grief counselling or relationship counselling can address these concerns before they escalate further, and also reduce occurrences of misdiagnosis as an “illness”. It has been reported, for example, that in the UK, Britons are increasingly describing grief and stress as mental illnesses, when they are not the same thing.  

4. “Medication Is Always Necessary and Lifelong”

While medication may be helpful may be helpful for some in the short term, it’s not the only route to regaining control in one’s life. Many find healing through psychotherapy and experience success in making changes with the support of counselling. For those who need medication, it’s often temporary support for stabilisation. Together with concurrent counselling and therapy,  studies have shown that outcomes improve significantly. Research and neuroscience has shown that it is possible to change our physiology and inner equilibrium by means other than drugs. Psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk, who is renowned for his research and work on post-traumatic stress shared that medications blunt distressing internal sensations but do not transform these symptoms from toxic agents into allies and the mind needs to be reeducated. Decisions about treatment should always be individualised, with guidance from a trusted professional to ensure the most appropriate approach.

Breaking the Cycle of Misconceptions

Misconceptions about mental health create barriers that keep people from seeking help. By challenging these myths and embracing a broader understanding beyond the medical model, we can create a society that values and promotes mental health as much as physical health, opening doors to healing and growth for all.

the power of positive language in mental health

Breaking Down the Stigma About Mental Health

The stigma surrounding mental health issues remains one of the biggest obstacles to creating a supportive and understanding society. It reinforces harmful stereotypical mindsets and contributes to the feeling of isolation of those in need. When such perspectives are prevalent, those contemplating seeking help may hesitate taking further steps forward, stops people from seeking help, isolates those in need, and reinforces harmful stereotypes. Such mindsets are often rooted in misunderstanding or lack of mental health awareness, but it can be shifted through small but meaningful actions in our daily lives. Together, we can cultivate a culture of empathy and acceptance.

  • Educate and Share

Knowledge is a powerful tool in breaking stigma. Taking the time to learn about mental health beyond superficial judgements and sharing accurate information helps challenge harmful stereotypes. When we change our perception from seeing people as “having mental health issues” , to seeing each other as fellow humans struggling  towards happiness in the different aspects of the human experience, compassion grows. We may then influence people around us when we share what we know and gradually bring about a change in perspective from our immediate circle which may create a ripple effect.

  • Use Inclusive and Respectful Language

Words matter. Casual phrases that trivialise a person’s mental health struggles or using derogatory terms can deepen stigma. Instead, adopting inclusive, respectful language helps reshape perceptions. For example, rather than focusing on labels, acknowledge that everyone faces struggles, from seeking happiness to maintaining relationships. Some struggles are more intense, but recognising our shared humanity reduces the sense of “otherness” often tied to the phrase “mental health issues”.

  • Promote Open Conversations

Talking openly about mental fitness normalises it and chips away at shame and isolation. Whether it’s asking someone how they’re really feeling or sharing your own experiences, open dialogue makes seeking help feel safe. Conversations expressing care and understanding at home, work, or in the community can contribute to creating safe spaces where the topic of mental health can be openly surfaced and discussed.

  • Lead by Example

Showing that prioritising mental health is a strength can inspire others. Practising self-care, sharing positive experiences with counselling and psychological support, like depression counselling, or advocating for resources demonstrates that mental wellness is important. These actions set the tone for workplaces, schools, and communities, encouraging a shift toward acceptance and support.

  • Support at Any Stage

One of the most pervasive misconceptions is that professional support is only for severe cases. In reality, it is a valuable resource for anyone, offering a safe space to discover oneself and learn to navigate challenges and improve wellbeing. Early intervention, like youth counselling for young people facing academic or personal pressures, provides a platform for youth to develop strength and skills to handle difficulties and prevent escalation. Seeking help is about growth and resilience, not just crisis management.

  • Building a More Supportive Society

Breaking stigma requires collective effort. Educating ourselves, using thoughtful language, encouraging open dialogue, and leading by example can create a society where mental health is understood, supported, and respected. Together, we can make seeking help for mental health struggles a normal and empowering choice for everyone.

The Impact of Being Mentally Healthy on Everyday Life

mental health and daily life: How they connect

How healthy we are mentally affects how we live our life. When we neglect our mental wellbeing, other aspects of our lives are affected.  At the same time, how we think, feel, and act also influences our mental health. Learning to take charge of our life to influence our mental health positively is highly beneficial to us.

  • The Connection Between Mental and Physical Health

Our mind and body are deeply linked. Emotional struggles affecting our mental health, like being often in states of heightened stress, anxiety, anger or sadness, can manifest in physical issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, a weakened immune system and even physical pains. If not dealt with early, it can develop into chronic conditions that may further adversely affect one’s quality of life in later years. Improving our mental health not only helps us in our emotional and psychological well-being, but is also important to us staying physically healthy and fit. 

  • Enhancing Focus on What Matters to Us

When we nurture our mental health, we have more energy and focus to engage in the things that matter most to us – such as our work, studies, interests, social relationships. A healthy mind allows us to pursue our goals and desires with clarity and drive. We are also then able to make decisions with greater confidence and groundedness. At the same time, we can be more present and focused in our moment-to-moment experiences as we go about our daily lives, and feel more purposeful in everything we do.

  • Improving and Building Relationships

Being mentally healthy allows us to enjoy our relationships and we have the capacity for more empathy, effective communication, understanding and openness to different perspectives that others may have. These qualities are essential for us to improving building relations by getting along with each other, negotiating our differences and caring for our loved ones.

  • Coping with Life’s Challenges

Life is unpredictable, full of joyful moments mixed with stress, change, and setbacks. Developing mental resilience is essential in managing stress, adapting to challenges, and bouncing back from adversity. When we’re mentally healthy, we approach difficulties with a growth mindset and learn from the experiences for self-development.

  • Promoting Personal Growth

Mental wellbeing is also about thriving, not just surviving. It helps us understand ourselves better, fostering self-acceptance and creating space for growth. With good mental health, we can pursue our passions, set meaningful goals, and live authentically. It empowers us to embrace life’s full potential and continually evolve into the best version of ourselves.

Practical Steps to Prioritise Our Mental Health

While the state of our mental health impacts how we live our life, our choices of how we respond to struggles also affects our mental health. Real change happens when we take meaningful action and shift our mindsets in how we see our mental health struggles and how we approach these experiences. Much like physical fitness, we can incorporate practical changes into our routines to regain our mental fitness and develop resilience and  balance in our lives. Here are some simple yet effective ways to prioritise mental wellbeing.

working towards personal growth
  • Stay Connected And Improve Relationships

Strong relationships are vital for emotional health. According to Dr William Glasser, we all need at least one deeply satisfying relationship in our life – be it a family member, a friend or a mentor. When we struggle in our relationships, especially with a most significant relationship, we will experience challenges emotionally and psychologically. Improving the way we relate with each other – especially in letting go of the belief that others can control us or we can control others – and accepting that people are all different, we can regain personal autonomy within the relationship and also allow more space within the relationship for the other. This can feel challenging with a significant other, but getting help through counselling or training workshops to learn the skills to do so is within reach. 

Concurrently regularly connecting with friends, family, or a supportive community can help us feel supported in navigating life’s challenges. Whether it’s a quick chat over coffee or a deeper conversation, these connections remind us we’re not alone. Social support improves mental health by reducing loneliness, providing perspective, and boosting our confidence in facing difficulties.

  • Exercise Regularly

Physical activity is not just about staying fit—it’s a powerful tool for improving mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which help elevate mood, reduce stress, and ease anxiety and depression. You don’t need intense workouts to feel the benefits. A simple walk, yoga, or dancing to your favourite music can boost your spirits. Find something you love which is realistic to do based on your current lifestyle and commitments and incorporate it regularly into your routine.

  • Eat a Balanced Diet

What we eat affects our body which impacts our physical health and also our brain health. how we feel. A diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins nourishes both the body and the mind. Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish like salmon) and antioxidants (in berries) are beneficial for brain health. On the other hand, too much sugar, caffeine, or processed foods can contribute to mood swings and energy crashes. Pay attention to your diet to nourish your mind and body, and in optimal health for your well-being.

  • Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is fundamental to mental health. A good night’s rest helps manage stress, maintain focus, and keep emotions balanced. Poor sleep, however, can worsen anxiety, irritability, and fatigue. To promote better rest, create a calming bedtime routine, limit screen time before sleep, and adjust your environment. Even small changes, like cutting down on caffeine in the evening, can make a big difference.

  • Practice Being Present

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to worry about the future or dwell on the past. Paying attention to the present moment can help lower stress and enhance mental clarity. Being in the present moment means not worrying about the past or thinking ahead of the future but just being present to the now in a non-judgemental manner. Take a few deep breaths and still the mind briefly to just focus attention on breathing before your day starts, this calms the nervous system and you feel more grounded in the moment. Or savour a quiet moment with your favourite beverage while soaking in the aroma and taste and enjoy what is present to you at the time. These small practices of mindfulness in the present moment when practiced with intentionality can have a profound impact on your wellbeing.

  • Create Structured Time for Self-Mental Health Care

Prioritising mental wellbeing takes intentional effort. Set aside dedicated time in your schedule for self-care and for activities that support your mental health. This could include journaling, pursuing hobbies, connecting with nature, meditating or simply taking time just for self. Some of us struggle with this because we grew used to the idea of needing to be constantly productive or useful or helpful to others. However, drawing boundaries to set time to connect with ourselves is equally, if not more, important. If our own tank is not filled, not only are we running on empty, we could be taking much more out of ourselves to the point that we feel depleted and lose perspective of our lives.

  • Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, the most effective step is to reach out to a professional. Counsellors and psychotherapists can help us understand our struggles, improve our relationship with ourselves and others, and experience new ways and approaches to respond to what we are going through. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step towards personal growth and wellbeing.

questions you may have on mental health

Questions You May Have

Understanding mental health, acknowledging where our struggles are at the moment and knowing how to care for it is an essential part of healthy living. Below, we address some common questions to help guide you on your journey to being mentally healthy.

How Can I Recognise If I Have an Issue Impacting My Mental Health?

It can be hard to recognise when your mental health is being affected, but there are signs to look out for. Feeling persistently sad or irritable, worrying excessively, or noticing changes in your sleep or appetite are all red flags. If you’ve lost interest in things you once enjoyed, or if everything feels overwhelming for an extended period, these could also be signs that its time to seek help. Rather than think of these symptoms as “mental health issues” in a way that may be unhelpful to you, see them as your mind and body signalling to you to do something and take action to seek help. If these feelings persist for weeks, it might be time to take a step back, reflect on your wellbeing, and consider seeking support.

What Should I Do if I Am Struggling with My Mental Health?

If you’re facing mental health issues, reaching out for help is a decisive first step. Consider speaking with a professional like a counsellor or psychotherapist who can help you understand your feelings and guide you in managing them. It can also help to talk to someone you trust, but make sure to follow up with a professional to address the root of the issue.

How Can I Support a Friend or Family Member Through Mental Health Struggles?

Supporting a loved one through mental health issues starts with listening without judgment. Accept that this person’s experience is different from yours and validate their experience. If they have yet to seek professional help, gently encourage them to do so. Be patient and respect their pace in dealing with things—it’s important to let them take the lead in their journey. Offering to listen and accompany them in their journey shows you care. In some cases, family therapy can help improve communication and strengthen the support system. Ultimately, your compassionate approach can make a significant difference in their recovery journey.

At In Focus, we’re dedicated to helping individuals struggling emotionally, psychologically, or relationally.  Our experienced and qualified counsellors, adopt a collaborative and empowering approach in counselling and therapy where we see clients struggling with mental health issues through the lens of the broader perspective towards mental health. Clients who have journeyed with our counsellors not only developed greater self-awareness and understanding, but were supported with empathy, compassion and commitment in their journey of change in taking back control for their happiness and well-being. 

Contact us today to explore how we can help you or your loved ones.

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Chan Pei Lin

Master of Guidance and Counselling (MGC)

Counsellor Masters in Guidance and Counselling (MGC), James Cook University Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), University of Buffalo New York State

I have always had a keen interest in working with children and youth. I find it fulfilling and meaningful to be working, supporting and guiding them, and I now have more than eight years of experience in this area. After graduating from the University of Buffalo, New York State with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, I started working with children and youth with Special Needs in early intervention. From my interactions with my clients over these years, I have come to see that being able to provide the emotional support that they and their families need is very important.

Being diagnosed with dyslexia and tactile defensives (Sensory Integrative Disorder), I remember the unconditional and judgement-free support I received from families and friends that got me through the various challenges. Therefore, I aim to offer the same unconditional support and judgement-free interaction to all my clients. Through my personal experience, I understand how crucial it is for individuals to develop a strong emotional foundation and a support network, especially those in similar circumstance. Therefore, I strongly believe in journeying and supporting individuals through stressful times, and in working with their loved ones through the strengthening of the bonds within the family unit.

I am trained in the major counselling and therapeutic approaches and also in Choice Theory Reality Therapy and Behavioural Therapy. My work is informed by Person Centred Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy. Beyond children and youth, I have counselled clients in other settings and age groups including young adults and families. I am particularly interested in supporting people in building resilience and skills to cope with stress, anxiety adjustments and overall socio-emotional needs. Given my own personal and work experience, I firmly believe that everyone deserves a chance in a fulfilling life. To better support my clients, I am currently pursuing my certification for Choice Theory and Reality Therapy after obtaining my Masters in Guidance and Counselling at James Cook University.

Evelyn Rochelle Koh

Senior Principal Counsellor, Counselling Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor

Master of Social Science (Counselling), CTRTC, EFT, EFCT
Clinical Supervisor & Instructor (Senior Faculty of William Glasser International & William Glasser Institute, Singapore)

Certified Human Behaviour Analyst (DISC)
Certified PREPARE-ENRICH

I developed a passion in counselling when I started out as a school volunteer counsellor working with youth. I saw the transformative power of the counselling relationship on the youths in school and even later in life beyond school. This was a life changing experience for me and I was spurred to setup my own private counselling and psychotherapy practice in 2004. That was a time when there were few counselling and consultation services in Singapore. Since then, I have been working with youths, couples, parents, working adults on their emotional issues and mental health and well-being through counselling and psychotherapy for over 20 years.

Beyond helping my clients within the counselling room, I believe in tapping on the multiplier effect to bring healing and strength to individuals, and relationships between couples and within families. I thus expanded my work and I now devote a large portion of my time towards raising the skills and competencies of the helping profession through lecturing, training, clinical supervision and consultancy services.

My area of passion and specialisation is Choice Theory, Reality Therapy, Lead Management (CTRTLM) because it is highly empowering. I thus find great joy in training counsellors, therapist, social workers, coaches, leaders and managers in this area.  I am also trained in Emotion Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy and Gottman Couples Therapy and my work is also informed by therapeutic models such as Positive Psychology, Humanistic Therapy, Experiential Therapy and Systemic Family Therapy.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with organisations across different sectors, ranging from Youth Centers, Family Service Centers and Specialist Centers to the Health Promotion Board (HPB) and Ministry of Education (MOE). The latter two involved projects where I was able to share my passion for helping youth in Singapore. With the HPB, I helped develop the Peer Support Program for youth and conducted training for youth leaders from tertiary institutions and for those involved in the online peer support network “Youthpals”. With the MOE, I conducted cluster training for school counsellors and teachers on counselling and therapy skills to better help our students.

It is also my firm conviction that all situations of loss and pain can be opportunities for deep healing, growth and connection. I have thus been committed to providing regular training on the topic of “Grief and Loss” to social service practitioners through the Social Service Institute (SSI).

Curriculum Vitae

  • Registered Singapore Counselor with Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC)
  • Registered Clinical Supervisor with Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC)
  • Registered Social Service Practitioner with Singapore Association of Social Workers (SASW)
  • Professional member of the American Counselling Association (ACA)
  • Senior Faculty member as Approved Instructor and Supervisor of William Glasser International and William Glasser Institute, Singapore. At William Glasser Institute, Singapore, Evelyn is serving in the Executive Committee to advocate Dr. William Glasser’s teaching in Choice Theory Psychology, Reality Therapy and Lead Management.
  • External Lecturer/ Clinical Supervisor, Swinburne University of Technology
  • Clinical Supervisor, James Cook University Singapore, Monash University
  • Associate Adult Educator, Social Service Institute
  • Trained in Gottman Couples Therapy, The Gottman Institute
  • Trained in Emotion-Focused Therapy, York University, EFT Clinic
  • Trained in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy, International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Canada