Shining a Light on Mental Health: A Look Across Asia

The shroud of secrecy surrounding mental health is finally being lifted across Asia, dispelling the myth that mental illness needs to be hidden. Open conversations about mental health empower those struggling to seek help and reduce the burden on loved ones.

Nearly 1 in 7 residents in Singapore experience mental health disorders in their lifetime.¹ To address this, the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) works tirelessly to raise awareness and provide accessible care². Additionally, campaigns like the Ministry of Health’s “Mind Line” encourage open conversations about mental health³.

Public discourse on mental health is rising in Indonesia. A 2023 study by Rowalt Alibudbud shows an increase in online searches for mental health topics⁴. While challenges like limited resources persist, organizations like the Indonesian Mental Health Association (LPMI) advocate for better access to care and improved mental health services throughout the country⁵.

Vietnam is integrating social work into its mental health services, demonstrating a commitment to holistic care (e.g., Hardesty et al., 2018)⁶. The National Institute of Mental Health and Psychiatry (NIMH) plays a vital role in providing comprehensive mental healthcare⁷.

In India, celebrities like Deepika Padukone speaking openly about their experiences have been instrumental in breaking down stigma. Organizations like Roshni (suicide prevention), #SpeakYourMind India (youth awareness), iCall (counseling services), The White Swan Foundation (knowledge dissemination), and YourDOST (online therapy platform) are making significant contributions in India⁸.

A Global Support System Emerges: Mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of location. The good news is that the veil of secrecy is lifting across Asia, and a global support system is emerging. If you are struggling, know that you are not alone. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or a mental health professional. Help is available, and the path to recovery is possible.

Sources:

1. Subramaniam M, Abdin E, Vaingankar JA, Shafie S, Chua BY, Sambasivam R, Zhang YJ, Shahwan S, Chang S, Chua HC, Verma S. Tracking the mental health of a nation: prevalence and correlates of mental disorders in the second Singapore mental health study. Epidemiology and psychiatric sciences. 2020 Jan;29:e29.
2. https://www.imh.com.sg/Mental-Health-Resources/Conditions-and-Challenges/Pages/Depression.aspx
3. Ministry of Health’s “Mind Line” Campaign
4. Alibudbud, R. (2023). The Rise of Mental Health Awareness in Indonesia: A Social https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?user=dsCw2LIAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra
5. Media Listening Analysis.
6. Indonesian Mental Health Association (LPMI) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10792806/
7. Hardesty, C., Pham, T. T., & Le, T. V. (2018). Social work in mental health care i
8. Vietnam. International Social Work, 61(2), 222-233.