NS Adjustment Disorder: Seek Help/ Counsel from Psychiatrist
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Seeing the SAF counsellor a few times. He referred me to see PCC psychiatrist.
I have problems adjusting to new environment and tend to be violent/ rage.
However, I am quite curious/ anxious/ nervous on my first visit to the psychiatrist since it is a relatively new place/ experience.What to expect?
Psychiatrists in Singapore, as with other medical specialist,can be found both in the public and also the private sector. If you are thinking of going to see (or have been referred or been given a recommendation to) a psychiatrist in Singapore and are not sure what to expect, or you are feeling anxious and apprehensive, read on.
Many people have pre-conceived ideas about what to expect before they see their psychiatrist for the first time. They often feel very apprehensive while waiting for the appointment. There is often much anxiety about what he will be like and what he would then do to you.
Actually, a visit to a psychiatrist in Singapore is pretty similar to a visit to any other doctor. Think of a psychiatrist as a doctor for emotions. Sometimes feelings and emotions get “fractured”and a psychiatrist helps to take away the emotional pain and let them heal again. If you feel shy or anxious about seeing the psychiatrist alone, you may also get your family members or best friends to accompany you for the first visit.
There are various approaches to treating psychiatric conditions but all begin with a thorough and complete history, a mental state examination and finally a formulation and diagnosis is made. The first visit would typically take about 40 to 60 minutes, during which, expect the psychiatrist to get to know you and your problems better.
He would usually begin by finding out about the main issue that has brought you to the clinic. He would then want to get to know you better and find out more about your family, your childhood experiences and your educational and occupational history. Male patients in Singapore would also be enquired about their stint in National Service. A more thorough evaluation of each symptom would then be undertaken. He would also be interested to find out more about your relationships with others and whether there are areas of concern you have.
A skilled psychiatrist will of course weave all these into a pretty normal conversation. The key to any psychiatric evaluation is making you feel comfortable and a good psychiatrist would also be able to gauge your level of comfort and tailor the level of questioning to suit this. So don't be worried, seeing a psychiatrist is not particularly scary or intimidating and psychiatrists are generally warm, friendly, approachable and nice people. It is often an experience on its own for most patients to be intently listened to by someone for the first time. The psychiatrist would then reflect upon what you have said and help you better understand yourself and also develop greater insight into your issues.
While gathering the history, the psychiatrist would also conduct a “mental status exam”. Think of this as the equivalent of the physical examination that other doctors do. A psychiatrist is a trained medical specialist who is able to assess your level of emotional functioning through both verbal and non-verbal cues that you provide.The use of therapy or medications or both would depend on the diagnosis and severity but your wishes would also be respected.
At the end of the session, your psychiatrist will offer a summary of what he sees as the current issues. He will take into account your needs and wishes in the recommended subsequent plan of care.
So that’s it, a rather enjoyable first session with plans made for subsequent visits. Remember, Psychological conditions respond best when treated early, but its also never too late to seek help. Don't hesitate any longer, take good care of yourself and your emotional health and get your appointment and then turn up promptly at the clinic. Seeing a Psychiatrist in Singapore may just be the best thing that you have done for yourself in a while. -
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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Refer: www.imh.com.sg
The 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.
Address
Buangkok Green Medical Park
10 Buangkok View
Singapore 539747
If 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.
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MOH to launch two new community-based mental health initiatives
Posted: 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. -
Who know/ have experience of visit the MMI psychiatrists (professional doctor's licence)?
Some say this, some say that, rumours and hearsays....etc.
You think, he think, she think, who confirm?You say, he say, she say, who confirm?
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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 -
Does my case sound quite serious?
I am always being bullied in school and even in NS. In my primary sch days, it got so serious that I took a water bottle and started chasing the bullies attempting to hit them. In my sec school days I took a chair. I also has sucidual thoughts in pri,sec and NS period.
In JC, there was a change in class for me, like they splitted the class as it was too small. I could not take it and managed to cchange to my old class eventually.
In NS, was bullied all the way. Broke chain of command before.
Slight deviation in my routine would get me very upset. Like I need to know of extra lessons months ahead. Cannot be given dentention all those as I would just break down. Even now if there are too many changes I would just break down