NS Adjust Disorder + Depression: Call 24/7 SOS Help Hotline?
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Have underwent BMT 5 months for PES Bp Obese.
In the POP week, I became depressed to have sucidal thoughts.
I got history since young have already, BUT I never declare to CMPB MO on medical checkup day before NS in pre-enlistee since I thought I can handle NS well.
Now I just posted to my NS unit.
Stress due to new environment.
We hande MG, SAR21, M16, AR15...etc.
I report sick to MO in camp and was sent to A&E IMH for immediate attention.
MC 3 days + a hospital memo stating NS adjustment/ adaptation disorder with depression syndrome to submit to SAF MO for PES review.
Getting out of my comfort zone, I need to learn how to handle the stress in NS because after ORD, working life is even more adventurous ups and downs.
I need to sit down with PC/ OC/ CO to request for permission to OOC/ OOT me, give me a 8-5 vocation to rest and relax at home on my bed as this is my comfort zone. My preferred vocational choices are such as clerk/ storeman/ service medic/ driver...etc.
So how?
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Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): 1800-2214444
Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-2837019
Sage Counselling Centre: 1800-5555555
Care Corner Mandarin Counselling: 1800-3535800
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NS have counselling hotlines for you to call if need arises.
The counsellors are experienced professionals.You can call them at the following counselling hotlines:
- SAF : 1800-278 0022 (SAF Counselling Hotline)
- SPF : 1800-255 1151 (Police Psychology Service Department)
- SCDF: 1800-286 6666 (SCDF Counselling Hotline)
If you think you have been treated unfairly, you can bring up the case to your Commander. We will listen to your case. Do remember to bring along all facts and supporting documents.
We will do our best to address your concerns. Servicemen are to seek redress through proper channels. Together, we can address your issue more expeditiously.
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COUNSELLING
The SAF seeks to promote the well-being of every serviceman by providing
counselling support for those whom might be facing difficulties coping with their
personal or work/training related problems. Servicemen who are experiencing
difficulties can seek help through the avenues described below.
Commander interviews of all recruits are conducted within 48 hours of enlistment into full-time NS. Regular interviews are subsequently conducted on a monthly basis during the PTP/BMT phase. Special interviews are also granted upon request. Servicemen can highlight their difficulties during these interviews for assistance.
Orientation Officers identify, assist and counsel BMT recruits with adjustment
and/or other personal problems.
NS SAF Counselling Hotline is a 24-hour confidential telephone
counselling service provided by the SAF Counselling Centre. Manned by
trained counselling personnel, the SAF Counselling Hotline offers a crisis
and telephone counselling service to all servicemen. Callers may
choose to remain anonymous. Face to face counselling is also available
at the SAF Counselling Centre upon request/referral.
SAF Paracounselling Scheme complements other existing counselling
services and provides another avenue of help at the unit level for those who
need help to deal more effectively with their problems. Paracounsellors are
specially selected, trained by and work closely under the professional guidance
and support of counsellors from the SAF Counselling Centre. Paracounsellors
can be identified through their identification badges as well as through publicity
posters displayed in their units.================================================================
Being psychologically prepared is all about knowing what to expect and being prepared for it.
To be better prepared, you can participate in Total Defence activities and Open Houses organised by the SAF/SPF/SCDF.
Perhaps you should also talk to your family members and friends who have lived the NS experience. The more you discuss with others, the more comfortable and mentally prepared you’ll become.
Because NS life is different from civilian life before enlistment, there are many adjustments you need to make.
A good way to cope is to get support from your buddy and fellow recruits. They are going through the same tough training as you, so talking to one another will help relieve some tension.
In most evenings during your leisure time, you’ll also have some time to call your family or loved ones to talk. They can give you emotional support during NS.
You can have a one-on-one interview sessions with your officer to highlight any problems you may have. If you have a personal or family problem that need to be addressed, do let the officer know—he may be able to give you some advice or time off to settle your problems.
Life in NS revolves around structure, routine and discipline. This helps us stay united as a uniformed organisation as well as imparts the rigours necessary to protect our nation and citizens.
This does not mean there is just work and no play. In fact, after a few weeks in NS and you’ll find new friends and new reasons to smile!
As a soldier, one of the biggest adjustments you’ll have to make quickly is in regimentation and discipline.
Being in a uniformed organisation, you’ll have to obey orders from your superiors. Thus some of you may feel a sudden lack of freedom to do what you want and you may find yourself having difficulties accepting authority initially.
Regimentation and discipline build strong character and toughness, so that you’ll be tough enough to handle difficult combat, crime-fighting or rescue situations without giving up or breaking down.
When you first enlist into NS, you may have concerns of being in a new territory, with new faces and new things to do. But don’t let this get to you. Just remember the saying that “when the going gets tough, the tough gets going”.
Following are some tips on what you can do to prepare yourself psychologically:
- Adopt a positive perception
- Build up physical stamina
- Develop good working attitude and habits
- Overcome psychological stress
- Adopt teamwork spirit
- Learn to be independent
- Set realistic expectations
You can also speak to your friends or family members who have been through NS. Ask them to share their stories. The sharing will help you reduce some of your fears, uncertainties and doubts.
During NS you’ll be living with different people.
Because these people come from different backgrounds, they may not think like you do or react to situations like you would. Instead of trying to select your type of people, you should cherish the diversity. This is a chance for you to learn more about your fellow mates and their cultures.
You’ll find that you have many opportunities to absorb the different cultures—during training, eating, chatting or just seeing and listening. Take these opportunities and learn from people around you, you’ll have a much better appreciation of Singapore’s cultural diversity.
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Military Medicine Institute
The Military Medicine Institute (MMI) was established in March 1998 to provide Specialist Medical and Dental services to the SAF personnel. In 1999, Medical Board Centre and SAF Ward came under the umbrella of MMI. In Dec 2003, Military Medicine Institute, together with Tanglin Physiotherapy Centre, relocated to DSO(Kent Ridge) Building.Our Vision
To be the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Military Medicine.
Our Mission
To ensure efficient sustenance of SAF fighting strength through delivery of quality healthcare in areas of Specialist Medical and Dental Care, Medical Grading, and In-Patient Care.
Our Roles
Through the provision of specialised medical/dental services and in-patient care, MMI serves the SAF by optimising the treatment and recovery of servicemen with significant medical problems. This will translate to operational readiness of the SAF units as well as improved well-being of the individuals in the SAF.
Timely medical grading of servicemen allows personnel to be deployed effectively in service while minimising impact on operational readiness and personal health.Services available:
- Cardiopulmonary Lab
- Deployment Medicine
- Dermatology
- Ear, Nose and Throat
- Internal Medicine
- Medical Grading
- Occupational Medicine
- Orthopaedics
- Ophthalmology
- Psychological Care
- Specialist Dental Centre
- Sports Medicine -
Refer: www.imh.com.sgThe Institute of Mental Health (IMH) is a 2,000-bed acute tertiary psychiatric hospital situated on a 25-hectare campus at Buangkok Green Medical Park. Set amidst serene surroundings, IMH offers a comprehensive range of psychiatric, rehabilitative and counselling services for children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly.IMH’s tradition of care started in 1928. We were the first mental hospital in Singapore, starting with some 1,000 patients. Since then, many advances have been made in treatment, training, and research. Our treatment integrates evidence-based therapies, supported by the departments of clinical psychology, nursing, occupational therapy, and medical social work, to provide holistic care for our patients. IMH is equipped with modern facilities, with 50 wards for inpatients and seven Specialist Outpatient Clinics.IMH was the first mental health institution in Asia to receive the Joint Commission International Accreditation in 2005, a highly coveted international accreditation for healthcare organisations.Over the years, IMH has gained a reputation for quality research. In 2008, the Ministry of Health, Singapore, entrusted IMH with a S$25 million research grant to implement translational and clinical research into the causes of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders.IMH also plays a key role in training the next generation of mental health professionals in Singapore. We train psychiatrists and mental health professionals through the NHG-AHPL Residency Programme for psychiatry and through collaborations with the local tertiary institutions.AddressBuangkok Green Medical Park10 Buangkok ViewSingapore 539747If you are facing a mental health crisis, please call our Crisis Helpline at 6389 2222 or seek medical help at our 24-hour Emergency Services located in our hospital.MOH to launch two new community-based mental health initiativesPosted: 12 November 2012 1930 hrsMinister of State for Health Dr Amy Khor announced in Parliament on Monday two new community-based mental health initiatives designed to improve Singaporeans' access to mental healthcare."We are developing Assessment and Shared Care Teams (ASCAT), which are specialist-led mental health teams based in the community, in order to improve access to mental health care. We are also developing Community Mental Health Intervention Teams (COMIT) to provide improved access to counselling and psychotherapy services in the community," said Dr Khor.Dr Khor also said that the Institute of Mental Health's (IMH) occupancy rate for the past three years averaged at about 80 per cent and that the hospital has sufficient capacity for new patients.There are currently about 2,000 beds across public hospitals in Singapore dedicated to mental health patients, with the majority in IMH.Responding to queries from Member of Parliament Mr Hri Kumar Nair on the criteria for admitting patients to IMH, Dr. Khor said those with conditions such as schizophrenia and depression may be admitted for closer monitoring.
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FYI, PES is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PULHHEEMS.
1) Go to Public Hospital / Private Specialist.Note: You will be classified as a subsidised patient if your first visit is via:
- Referral letter from a Government Restructured Hospital under subsidised status, A&E, Polyclinic or SAF, without specifying a specialist by name.
- Discharge from inpatient class B2 or C without specifying a specialist by name.
2) Consult specialist, and do whatever medical check ups required. E.g. physical exam, blood test, x-ray, CT scan, MRI scan.3) Specialist gave a finalised clinical diagnosis.
4) Get the specialist to write you a memo which is to be given to SAF MO. Those who can and are willing to spend some more money can get him/her to write you a specialist report, which is more precise and detailed.
Note: For not to waste time and money, please be more direct yet humble. Request the specialist to write about reviewing of PES and medical board / anything specific such as any excuses to your conditions.5) Book an medical review appointment using the eHealth module @ www.ns.sg (for NSman Reservists).
Just go down to your camp medical centre (for NSFs).
Call CMPB @ 6373 1340 to request another PES review (for Pre-Enlistees after CMPB Checkup).6) Make a trip down to the respective unit camp medical centre. Give the MO whatever supporting documents you have in hand. E.g. Specialist memo/report (most usually the case and highly recommended), x-ray films, CT/MRI scan report, blood investigation lab report... etc.
7) MO will decide whether you are deemed eligible for KIV downgrade, according to the criterias set in the "PES Bible" directive. E.g. Diagnosis, Extent of Diagnosis, Degree of Diagnosis/Injury/Illness/Disease...etc.
8) If deemed so, you will sign an acknowledgement notice of Medical Board, whereby your case statement is prepared for review discussion at the monthly medical board meet (usually at the Formation/Division HQ) with another NSF CPT MO and the Chairman (SAF Regular Medical Doctor of MAJOR rank or above). Your Medical Board result will be post mailed to you by your respective NSHRC (Formation NS Hub).
Time and time again, the questions for Medical Review (Downgrade) is repetitive. Therefore, this serves as a general SOP for Medical Board.
Extract from www.mindef.gov.sg/nsmen:
NSmen must update their NS HRCs if they should develop any new medical condition or if their existing medical condition has worsened which might affect their ability to perform their duties during ICT. Arrangements will then be made for them to attend a medical review at the SAF medical centre to assess their fitness for NS.
The NSmen MUST bring along all investigation results and memorandums from his external physician/specialist during the medical review. Depending on the outcome of the medical review, the NSman may be given a medical certificate to defer him from ICT, be scheduled for a medical board to downgrade him if his medical condition is significant, or referred to a restructured hospital for further investigation. In the event that the medical officer determines that the NSman’s medical condition will not affect his ability to participate in the ICT, he will allow the NSman to attend the ICT. -
Please submit the hospital specialist memo to the camp doctor to assess and process.
As usual, please refer to this guideline:
http://sgforums.com/forums/1390/topics/392446 -
SINGAPORE - When patients feel at their most vulnerable, Head of medical social services at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) Ms Esther Lim steps in to help them make sense of what is happening.
Such patients may have tried to take their own lives or showed signs of wanting to do so. Ms Lim also helps families cope when they have lost a loved one.
The 39-year-old's helping hand is extended not just to patients, but also to hospital staff who face challenges at home or at work, for instance, if they have been abused by a patient.
In 2003, she pioneered a programme in SGH to train health-care and social work professionals in suicide intervention. It is now also offered in SingHealth's Postgraduate Allied Health Training Institute.
Since becoming a social worker in 1995, Ms Lim, who leads a team of 85 medical social workers, has received more than 15 awards. Last year, she was one of two recipients of the Outstanding Social Worker Awards given out by the Singapore Association of Social Workers.
She is married to a 37-year-old police officer. They have a six-year-old daughter.
I specialise in suicide and crisis intervention because...
When I was working in the emergency department years ago, I saw how a crisis, such as a life-threatening illness, a serious road traffic accident or an attempted suicide, can throw a family off balance.
The sense of disbelief and loss can be overwhelming, so this is where I step in to help people make sense of what is happening.
The immediate goal is to reduce the intensity of the emotional, physical and behavioural reactions, while the long-term goal is to help families get back to as normal a life as can be.
A person's life is precious because...
We live only once, so we have to live it fully and with dignity, despite our circumstances.
One little known fact about suicidal patients is...
They are not mentally ill. Anyone facing a seemingly desperate situation can be vulnerable to feeling hopeless and helpless, which may escalate to suicidal acts if the person does not receive help or cuts himself off from others.
If I were to give an analogy for what I do, I would...
Be a bridge to connect the suicidal person with the resources around him, such as family service centres, care facilities and legal aid. Often, a person may think nobody can help him, which is not true.
The eventual goal is to reconnect the suicidal person with his family and loved ones through individual, couple or family sessions.
A typical day for me would...
Start at 8.30am with administrative duties, followed by morning staff meetings or journal club sessions. I meet senior staff members regularly to plan and implement assistance schemes which benefit patients.
Other medical social workers also come to me to seek advice on cases they are working on. I co-manage the difficult cases, such as those which may involve suicide, or in which patients or family members consistently display behavioural difficulties.
I also support hospital staff members who need help and teach them coping strategies.
I have come across all types of cases...
But I find that families with strong social support fare better in crises. After the initial shock and confusion, members organise themselves very quickly to protect the affected family member by providing physiological and emotional comfort.
I love patients who...
Make it a point to turn up for their follow-up counselling sessions because this shows their readiness and motivation for change.
Patients who are forthcoming, open to working with their families and willing to reflect on themselves often make better progress.
They pick up positive coping strategies to deal with life's challenges, which range from relationship discord, financial issues to mental health or addiction challenges.
Patients who get my goat are...
Those who blame everyone else for their problems, without realising that they have a part to play.
For instance, a suicidal husband may be domineering at home and may keep blaming his wife and children, without realising that he has failed to communicate properly with them.
This can also explain the persistent suicidal behaviour in some patients. This vicious circle may wear out their loved ones and cut patients off from the support they used to have.
Things that put a smile on my face are...
Receiving handmade cards from the children of one patient whom I saw for attempted suicide and depression over several years.
Every year, though the drawings and handwriting would mature, they always conveyed their appreciation to me for being there for their mother.
It breaks my heart when...
An elderly patient asks me if the doctor can help end his life because he does not want to burden his children.
I realise, through interaction with elderly patients, that they are so stoic and self-reliant that they feel useless when they cannot contribute financially, take care of their grandchildren or, worse still, become disabled.
They have laboured hard all their lives, yet they have not come to accept that there is a time to receive unconditional care in return.
I would not trade places for the world because...
There is still so much to be done that I cannot find enough time for everything. This is what I am trained for and playing a part to restore equilibrium to lives is a constant reminder to live mine fully.
My best tip is...
To learn to take charge of emotions, thus reducing the likelihood of acting on impulse when emotionally charged.
Some things which may help include taking slow, deep breaths, sharing your problems with a trusted mentor and putting vexing matters on the back-burner, that is, taking your mind off it and revisiting the issue when you are calmer.
Get a copy of Mind Your Body, The Straits Times or go to for more stories. -
Today I went to the MO to give my hospital specialist memo for PES review. He said that he will prepare case statement for pending Medical Board that happen only once a month every month.
Meanwhile, MO encouraged/ motivated me try to adapt and adjust to NS life and military training first to see how in the mean time because every Singaporean son will sure have to go thru NS.
Then I went to see my PC to forward my request to my OC to the CO to follow Chain of Command to see if can OOC/ OOT, to stay out to go home daily and also to revocate to clerk/ storeman/ service medic. They are my requests, not demands.
But no guarantee since I must have to understand that this is not my grandfather's army. Even Lee Hsien Loong and his sons also need to go NS even though Lee Kuan Yew is the founding father of modern Singapore.
How long will it take to grant approval/ permission?
Have step-by-step procedures to follow policy.
Also, I have gotten stronger sleeping pills from IMH after my subsequent visits for consultation. IMH also advised me to follow up with the SAF psychiatrist for better and faster treatment to my emotional and mental health wellness.
I think I need to report sick to MO to get and fix appoinment with the SAF psychiatrist.
I worry about how others might may see me as if I try to malingering, but I know I will be safe because I got show proof. Since I got medical evidence such as memos and reports from hospital and medical centre as supporting documents to prove and justify my mental health of state.
As I must remember that as the saying goes, "Got hospital specialist memo, got talk." -
Yes, you are on the right track to recovery for health and wellness.
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Should I call the SOS or NS Counselling Hotline or not?
When ORD, apply any job whether private, public or government, the application form will ask you to declare for any medical conditions for employment, staff benefits, and company group insurance?
If no declare to company, even if offer contract, later work halfway will I get terminated?
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Refer to:
http://sgforums.com/forums/1390/topics/461016To be covered under any employer's employment group insurance, a typical job application form will have a 'Declaration' section at the end of the form just before your signature, which usually read,
"Have you been or are you suffering from any medical condition/ disease/ illness/ major medical condition/ mental disorder or physical impairment?"
"Yes/ No"
"If your answer to any of the above is yes, please give details in the space provided."
I declare that all information given herein are true and correct. I understand that a misrepresentation or omission of facts will be sufficient cause for cancellation of consideration for employment or dismissal from the Company’s service if I have been employed.
(Signature)
(Date) -
I think my condition will be automatically, magically, and miraculously cured once I ORD from NS.
Can the employer/ insurance company check with our hospitals' records with our nationalised centralised electronic medical records system?
Determination and perservance, as when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
I must show that I am not a strawberry generation kind of boy. From ah boys to men!
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Yes, that's the way!
Keep it up!
There is room for improvement.
You can do it!
Hundreds of thousands of men have gone thru NS, so can you.
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Ironically, this adjustment disorder will be miraculously cured on ORD day when you take back your NRIC...
God bless you...
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Ironically I dun think mine will not , I having this problem since young . I just report sick again to ask about my appointment but mo say tat it not so soon as it quite full now . He also refer me to scc . I like to know wat scc ? . I told my pc already and now waiting to talk to oc as he also busy. Hope I can settle all this by today .
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SCC is SAF Counselling Centre
Dr Francis HENG Hua Mong
Head of SCC -
Company OC said that he cannot OOT me as I am currently still PES Bp since the Medical Board is pending + waiting for SAF Psychiatrist appointment.
Meanwhile while waiting for pending Medical Board, OC urge me to report sick at medical centre if, as and when I need long-term excuse MC such as excuse range, firearms...etc.
I understand that OC has did his best to help me since he need to follow rules, regulations and policies. I know they for trying to help me cope.
I just feeling down, so I am here sharing how the process, the problems and my feelings.
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Yes, please report sick to get whatever excuses you may need and the MO will grant you the excuses which he deem fit and reasonable.
Please kindly remember that the medical centre, the coy line office and the unit HQ's S1 Manpower Branch are there to facilitate, help and assist you.
Please also kindly read repeatedly again what are posted above in this topic thread above to remind and review yourself where you are on the road to recovery, to adjust and adapt to NS. You need to suit and live to social norms as this is part and parcel of a normal ordinary life of a Singaporean son.
Even after when you ORD from NS, an adult's work-life balance will have more ups and downs like waves on the sea shore. Please learn to cope early in NS to prepare yourself for the transition to adulthood.
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I think my condition has begin to worsen...
I am having panic attacks such as hands keep trembling, chest aching, and mind worrying even small things...
I keep thinking and worry what will happen next.
Called SCC, the clerk told me to take it easy and to help me book the earliest possible appointment in the schedule system.
MO referred me to SCC, but still need to wait, wait, wait...
I requested MO to OOC me, but he denied my request. I cannot demand...
Please wait for my pending Medical Board (PES review), and my SAF psychiatrist appointment in about a month's time.
But, I can't take it already... How?
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Please self check-in at IMH now ASAP.
With your 11B ID card, it is 100% FREE.
Plus, now if you go check-in, it is fast because today is public holiday, so very little people register today.
Hurry, go take a taxi to IMH now quickly.
Today is public holiday, very little vehicles on the road now. And now is super off-peak period, no ERP fee.
IMH address and how to go there is listed and mentioned above. Pack your bag too now if you are going to stay there tonight.
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PC, OC and MO cannot do anything to you when you are admitted for ward in at hospital.
What is more, if you stay at IMH for a few days/ weeks, you are almost automatically OOC/ OOT. Guarantee, no questions asked...
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SINGAPORE'S Institute of Mental Health (IMH) beat over 80 hospitals in Asia to snag the top accolade at the Asia Hospital Management Awards (AHMA) last night.
The hospital won the inaugural Grand Award for the Hospital of the Year, because of its good showing in six out of nine other award categories.
The awards were held as part of the Hospital Management Asia 2011 conference.
Dr Ashok Nath, chairman of Hospital Management Asia, said that the Grand Award was created to "encourage hospitals to excel in not just one award category, but to also strive for more wins".
The AHMA, held yesterday at the Resorts World Convention Centre, is in its 10th year. The judges include representatives from Johns Hopkins Medicine International and the International Hospital Federation.
Dr Chua Hong Choon, IMH's chief executive, said the hospital was honoured to win the Grand Award and that the win "gives us the affirmation that our programmes are evaluated by international consultants to be of best-practices standards".
The hospital also won the Most Outstanding Project in the Service Improvement for Internal Customers Project category for its Case Management Service, a follow-up service for discharged patients.
It was started in 2003 but was tweaked last year to include an information-technology system that supports the follow-up care process.
Under the service, patients of IMH are assigned a case manager who makes sure that they continue to receive care after they are discharged. Case managers also often double as confidants for their patients.
Said Joe (not his real name), 34, an IMH patient who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2003: "When I have a lot of problems on hand and no one to talk to, that tends to increase my stress levels. As my condition is easily aggravated by stress, that triggers a relapse, causing me to check in and out of the hospital."
However, Joe's condition improved after he was assigned a case manager in December 2009. He spends time talking to her every time he goes for a medical checkup, and she counsels him on some of the problems that he faces.
Other patients were also found to have fewer relapses and re-admissions, after having a case manager assigned to them.
Between January last year and May this year, IMH saw an improvement in patients' compliance with follow-up treatment, from 78 to 88 per cent, partly due to the improved Case Management Service.
There was also a fall in re-admission rates and the number of patients not completing their treatment.
IMH also received two excellence awards in the Operational Customer Service Project, and Marketing, PR or Promotional Project categories for its Mental Health - General Practitioner Partnership Programme.
The programme aims to improve access to mental- health care, especially in the heartland, by providing general practitioners with psychiatric knowledge.
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Renni Whang
Thu, Mar 08, 2012
The New PaperBurst the Silence is a social movement that highlights the danger of youths being silent about their problems.Justin (not his real name) was developing psychotic symptoms and began to have delusions. For a year, he felt confused and lost.
His grades at school suffered. So did his social life.
He was sent to the Community Health Assessment Team (Chat) at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and a youth counsellor convinced him to seek treatment early and to share his symptoms with his family.
With treatment and family support, Justin is now completing his final-year at a tertiary institution.
IMH's latest campaign, Burst the Silence, hopes to encourage young people with mental issues not to suffer in silence and to seek help early.
It is IMH's first such campaign following a suicide awareness campaign, One Last Breath, organised from October to December last year.
Chat youth support worker Nur Khairunisa Ngaiman said young people who stay silent cannot access the many resources available to them, including friends, family, school counsellors and therapists.
She said: "They may feel a sense of helplessness if the stressor gets more and more overwhelming... He or she may then resort to self-destructive coping habits like self-harm and excessive drinking."
Chat, set up in 2009, has assessment services for those between 16 and 30 years old.
Between April 2009 and last December, it provided psychiatric assessment to 169 young people and about 30 per cent of them were referred for follow-up treatment in hospitals.
Youth problems the team sees include adjustment issues in school or a new environment and family matters that the young people can't cope with.
Others have mental health issues like depression, anxiety and some psychotic symptoms, said Associate Professor Swapna Verma, Chat's project director.
Prof Verma said: "Youth is the peak period for the onset of major mental health problems and such problems are often associated with high levels of disability."
The Singapore Mental Health Survey last year found that most people with mental illness had their first onset of the illness when they were in their 20s.
The survey found that in most mental illness cases, sufferers were not seeking professional help.
Those suffering from alcohol abuse started at an average age of 23 and took an average of 13 years before they sought help.
People with bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) waited nine years before seeking help. Their illnesses started at the average ages of 24 and 19 respectively.
Common disorders
According to the survey, major depressive disorder (MDD), alcohol abuse and OCD were the top three most common disorders in Singapore.
It found that 6.3 per cent of Singapore's adult population have suffered from MDD at some point in their lives..
To encourage sufferers to get help, IMH is organising an event at *Scape on March 17 from 6pm that will feature performances and graffiti artists.
Last weekend, a performance outside Shaw Centre involved a "bubble" with a young person "trapped" in it.
A passer-by, Mr Luther James Balat, 32, called the bubble an "attractive" metaphor.
"It gets people to ask, 'What's the meaning behind this structure?'
"Young people do need to talk to parents about their issues. Some might just tell their friends, but the latter might not give sound advice."
This article was first published in The New Paper.
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Mon, Nov 21, 2011
The New PaperDepression, alcohol abuse and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are the most common mental woes in Singapore.
One in 16 people had depression while one in 29 people suffered from alcohol abuse in their lifetime.
For OCD, the figure is one in 33 people.
The findings emerged from the Singapore Mental Health Study, which surveyed some 6,600 Singaporeans and permanent residents aged 18 and above last year.
Led by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), the $6.9 million study is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind here.
The study also found that 12 per cent of people here will have some kind of mental disorder in their lifetime.
For most, mental illness will hit by the time they are 29 years old.
But there is a big gap between the onset of mental illness and the time a person seeks help.
It took an average of four years for someone with depression to seek help. For alcohol abuse, the treatment gap is some 13 years.
Clinical Associate Professor Chong Siow Ann, senior consultant and vice-chairman of Medical Board (Research) from the IMH gave three reasons for the time lag - failure to identify the illness, stigma and the lack of access to help.
Dr Chua Hong Choon, CEO of IMH, said: "Anyone who has a mental health problem or thinks he has a health problem should speak to someone about it."
Help could come from a doctor or a psychiatrist.
Said Dr Chua: "Every doctor in Singapore has basic training as a medical doctor to deal with mental health, but in the last few years, a lot more effort has been put in to increase the capability of our GPs (general practitioners) as part of the chronic disease management programme."
He added that there are 50 GPs trained to manage some mental illnesses.
Among those who had a mental illness, 22.1 per cent had consulted a psychiatrist.
Most sought help within the community - 21.6 per cent went to a counsellor, 18 per cent to a GP, and 12 per cent went to a religious or spiritual healer.
Apart from the IMH, the other three parties involved in the study were the Ministry of Health , the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Rand Corporation, an American non-profit research organisation.
This article was first published in The New Paper.
