NS Adjustment Disorder: Stress Burn-Out. Call 1800-278 0022!
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Hello,
I am in a AC Logistics Branch with effect from Jan 2013. I may have NS adjustment disorder which leads to difficulty adapting to NS life of a citizen-soldier full-time. Even though I am a non-combat soldier doing administrative/ logistics matters, I drag myself to camp daily. I admit that it's a rather good camp indeed. Welfare. Quite lobo 8-5 work-life balance. But this mandatory/ compulsory NS does not suit me.
I have OSD/ OSA (sleep apnea) whereby I have problems recovery deep sleeping to sleep well, to rest and relax effectively well.
I had a medical appointment with TTSH today. Even the specialist doctor might have think that I am malingering. He did not do a proper checkup in my opinion. He just kept asking questions. Probably he had read my medical records/ report sick history through the National Electronic Health Records (NEHR) system which links all public hospitals and polyclinics. In the end, he did not refer me to a specialist sleep clinic for further consultation or to consider any surgery.If let's say my BMI is over 40 (morbid obesity) and since now while in NS, can I do a surgery which a surgeon "rubberband" the stomach to fight obesity? Will SAF pays/ fully subsidises this surgery?
I read that SAF only fully subsidises medical treatments/ surgeries if it is under "General Procedures/ Surgeries" classification. For any medical treatments that are "cosmetic" in classification, NSFs have to out money themselves.
What can I do to live healthy?
Change Lifestyle? Diet? Exercise?
I also feeling stress to burnout.
Should I call the NS counselling telephone hotline @ 1800-278 0022?By the way, I am presently banned for report sick outside due to some stupid mistake I made. I can only report sick in camp, or hospitals' A&E department.
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.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. -
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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It seems you might have some unconfirmed internal body medical issues due to your metabolic rate for it isn't right for your age group. It will worsen after you ORD from NS in 2 years time.
You must change your lifestyle, diet and exercise. Eating habits and food are very crucial factors. If you eat fast/ junk/ processed food, of course your health will deteriorate day by day.
Tell me if you feel better after a few days here.You might want to try multi-vitamin tablets from Guardian or NTUC Unity or other pharmacies that help to perk you up to give you more "refreshing feeling" to bring you to most ordinary humans' bodies.
Also, you may get some Vitamin B12 combined with folic acid supplements for the excess consumed will get secreted out in the urine if your body don't need that much consumed. Both are natural for they have no or very little side effects as compared to other vitamins health supplements.
Please don't ever buy health supplements online from other countries.
They are not imported here/ not approved/ not passed/ not assessed for tests by our HSA for use here. -
What are the changes to your lifestyle, diet and exercise?
Firstly, you are strongly advised to eat oats (instant/ quick-cook) as heavy breakfast, and greatly reduce eating fried foods and junk foods.
Secondly, please start cardio exercising.
Start from light to gradual to moderate.
e.g. brisk walking, then fast walking, then slow jogging, then jogging.
Thirdly, if you drink alcohol/ smoke tobacco, please quit.
It's best that by changing your lifestyle, your BP will gradually stablise and be within normal range. Doctors advise that to manage BP effectively, it's optimal to change your lifestyle, next is to reduce drug dosage, and finally be completely off medicine.That's why I strongly urge you to eat oats (instant/ quick-cook).
3 big scoops (Chinese soup spoon) into a bowl.
Just add boiling water to 70% full.
Cover the bowl with a plate and wait 10 to 15 minutes.
Add water to 100% full, and consume at lukewarm.
Fast and easy-to-make breakfast.
Never ever skip breakfast.
Start off the day by having a heavy breakfast.
Have lunch at 70% full.
Have dinner at 30% full. If still hungry, eat oats.
If possible, drink Pu'er/ oolong tea (without sugar) daily.
Why I recommend you this?
My parents have HBP since first known 2 years ago.
And now, their BP is well-maintain with this 1st step in a simple change in diet/ lifestyle. -
Thank you for the advice.
I am both a non-smoker and non-drinker.
Do you strongly urge me to call the 24/7 counselling hotline at 1800 278 0022?
I am feeling stressed out momentarily that I have an impulse to skip work (AWOL) or suka suka want to rest for few days at home. If I AWOL, will Military Police come get me to throw me to Detention Barracks (DB), a military prison? Will my ORD date be extended due to AWOL? This make me ponder, think thrice, long and hard to the consequences on my decisions.
AWOL: Absent Without Official Leave
In military terminology, desertion is the abandonment of a "duty" or post without permission and is done with the intention of not returning. "Absence Without Leave" (AWOL) can refer to either desertion or a temporary absence.I already got marked down that I only can report sick in camp only restriction.
1 more wrong move, I may get charged to summary trial or court martial to be govern by military law.PES C, so cannot use/ go gym whilst in NS work time. Camp also no in-house gym.
Thanks but no thanks. I don't like LIVE runs, jogs and walks. May food binge, so no self-control on diet.
How to change my life (after work) during weekday nights and whole weekends?How to change my lifestyle to turn my life around?
Can I as and when go to another camp to report and gym whole day and skip my vocation work? Must get approval/ permission from my supervisor?
I think maybe it is due to this is not my grandfather's army...If I stubbornly still refuse to properly change my lifestyle, diet and exercise, for the stomach rubberband surgery, who pays? Ah Gong (Government) or on my own?
Must I get a referral letter from MO/ polyclinic / A&E department to enjoy subsidy? -
Yes, the Military Police (MP) will look for you at your home and workplace, and you will be charged for Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL).
Source: www.ns.sg
Military Justice System in the SAF
1. Overview
The military justice system in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is expected to treat every service personnel fairly and equally, regardless of race, rank or vocation.
2. Multi-levelled ApproachThe military justice system is based on the SAF Act, which was implemented in 1972. All servicemen are subjected to the SAF Act, SAF Regulations, and orders of whatever form issued pursuant to them.
While discipline is paramount in the military, not all offences committed by SAF servicemen are dealt with by formal investigations and charges. Essentially, offenders can be dealt with either by way of informal or formal punishment systems.
3. Informal Punishment System
Commanders are empowered to mete out informal punishments like push-ups and weekend confinement to servicemen who have committed disciplinary breaches, like being late, sluggish, or improperly dressed.4. Formal Punishment System
If the offence that a serviceman committed is of a more serious nature, he may be formally dealt with by his disciplinary officer by way of a summary trial, or brought before a subordinate military court (more commonly known as the General Court Martial or GCM).(a) Summary Trial
The offences that can be dealt with by summary trial are essentially military offences, such as absence without leave (AWOL), non-compliance with lawful orders or insubordination.
Depending on the rank of the serviceman in question, and the type of the disciplinary body hearing the case, the possible sentences that may be imposed can vary, and these can include fines or detention.
The summary trial is carried out in accordance with relevant SAF regulations, and the records of the summary trial are sent to the office of the Director, Legal Services of the SAF.
(b) General Court Martial
The General Court Martial exists as a separate forum from that of the summary trial. Unlike the summary trial, the GCM can deal with a wider range of offences, and can impose a wider range of punishments including imprisonment and discharge, on top of sentences like detention and fines. The GCM is also a more public and open forum, and its proceedings are conducted using similar legal rules and procedures as those used in a civil criminal court.
Generally, only serious offences investigated by the Military Police Command, and which are referred to the office of the Director of Legal Services, will result in the accused serviceman being charged in a GCM. In such a case, a military prosecutor will draw up a formal charge sheet and present it before the GCM.
General Courts Martial can be further sub-divided into two categories, namely the Panel Courts Martial - consisting of a President and usually two other members, and Judge Courts Martial - consisting of a single President only.
Currently, the practice is for military offences to be heard by Panel Courts Martial, while civil offences like misuse of drugs and penal code offences may be dealt with by a Judge Court Martial.
The current policy is also for an NSman, who is or was a District Judge in the Subordinate Courts, to preside in a GCM. There are currently 10 NSmen who have been appointed by the Armed Forces Council to perform duty as President of a court martial. They are rostered by the Registrar of the Subordinate Military Court to hear cases during their in-camp training. In the case of a Panel Court Martial, the other two members are rostered from among some 155 military officers appointed by the Chief of Defence Force.
5. Ways to Seek RedressThere are numerous safeguards and avenues set out in the military justice system for an SAF serviceman to seek redress if he is unhappy about the punishment imposed on him.
Generally, a serviceman who is dissatisfied with an informal punishment meted out to him may request a higher level commander to review the punishment, or request for formal disciplinary dealing.
In the case of a summary trial, a serviceman brought before the disciplinary officer may elect instead to be tried by a court martial. Alternatively, an aggrieved serviceman may request that his conviction or punishment imposed at the summary trial be reviewed by MINDEF's Director Manpower (a delegated authority of the Armed Forces Council).
In the case of a GCM, a serviceman may choose to be represented by a lawyer or an SAF defending officer if his case will be heard by a court martial. The SAF has about 200 trained defending officers. While an SAF defending officer comes free to the serviceman, he has to bear the cost of engaging a lawyer. At the end of the trial, a serviceman who is dissatisfied with the decision of the court martial may petition the Reviewing Authority (the AFC or a committee of its members) for a review of his case. The serviceman can also appeal to the Military Court of Appeal (MCA) for a reconsideration of his conviction, or his sentence, or both.
The MCA, when convened to hear an appeal, sits as a panel of five members. Heading the MCA is a President, who is appointed by the Chief Justice. By law, he must be a person qualified to be a Judge of the Supreme Court. The current President of the MCA is Justice Choo Han Teck. Four other members - two civilian members who are qualified legal practitioners with at least five years experience each, and two senior military officers - make up the rest of the MCA. The MCA is the highest court in the military justice system.
6. Impartial Hearings
It is important to recognise that the GCM and the MCA are tribunals headed by presidents who are outside the SAF chain of command.Being an "outsider", the president of these forums will hear the case impartially like any other civil criminal case. The proceedings in the GCM and the MCA are also heard in a public forum, and these military courts adopt many of the same legal procedures and safeguards as that used in the civil criminal courts. All servicemen formally charged with an offence can bring their case to these forums.
Singapore Armed Forces Military Police Command
(SAFMPC/ æ–°åŠ å�¡æ¦è£…部队宪兵å�¸ä»¤éƒ¨)The formation is headed by the Command Headquarters which oversees its daily operations, and supported by four units specialising in the various specific operational responsibilities of the SAF MPC.
The four units are:
Military Police Enforcement Unit (MPEU): The unit consists of the Law Enforcement and Ceremonial Company (LECC), the Security Operation Unit (SOU) and the Special Security and Protection (SSP) Branch. It is the active wing of the SAF MPC and executes most of the operational and ceremonial duties and roles carried out by the SAF MPC.
The LECC was formed by combining the former Active Provost Company (APC) and the former Zone Provost Company (ZPC). Its duties include most of the important ceremonial duties required within the SAF as previously handled by the APC, and a traffic platoon which ensures the compliance of traffic regulations by military personnel on the road as well as performing escort duties. It also performs regular raids for contraband and/or miscreants on various camps of the SAF as was conducted by the ZPC. Enforcement Platoon (also known as Platoon 2) performs regular operations in residential areas, workplaces, and many public places such as shopping centres, clubs and eating outlets to apprehend deserters, AWOLoffenders, drug addicts and other military criminals. They work closely with the Singapore Police Force and are often in very dangerous situations and are extremely well trained for handling the varied scenarios that they find themselves in. This is also the platoon that enforces the public image of the SAF by booking offenders who smoke in uniform and commit other offences in uniform while in the eye of the public. It is worth noting that they perform undercover security operations for high-key events like the National Day Parade and the Youth Olympic Games. The security of Mowbray Station is overseen by a platoon who is also in charge of registering and detaining suspects and offenders of military crimes in holding cells. The station is similar to a civilian police station and it is usually the first stop for detainees before their transfer to the detention barracks after conviction in military courts, or a temporary holding cell for servicemen placed under Closed Arrest. The investigative branch for the SAF, the Special Investigation Branch (SIB) investigates higher-order military crimes that requires specialised handling. Since 31 December 8, MPEU has heralded the inclusion of a new branch within its ranks. The Security Support and Protection (SSP) Branch is involved in sensitive operations so no further information is available.
SAF Detention Barracks (SAFDB): Headed by a commandant, DB consists of MPs in charge of supervision of detainees of the SAF who have been convicted in military courts.
Military Police Training School (MPTS): Formerly known as the School of Provost, MPTS is in charge of equipping trainees with necessary and fundamental military policing skills as well as instilling in them a high standard of discipline through the vocational courses and specialised courses such as the Silent Precision Drill Courses. MPTS also legislation courses for senior commanders all over the SAF. In addition, the SAF Military Working Dog Unit is a wing under MPTS and it is in charge of all dog training and doctrine matters of the SAF.
SAF MP Command Head Quarters (HQ): The Head Quarters of the Command comprises various branches, namely the Human Resource (HR), Intelligences and Security Branch (ISB), General Staff Branch (GS), the Special Investigation Branch (SIB) and Logistic Branch. Each branch is headed by a branch head who serves concurrently as the Command's Manpower, Intelligence, Ops and Training and Logistics Officer.
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FAQs
SAF Detention Barracks
1. Are the detainees being medically taken care of?
Primary health care of detainees is of utmost importance to us. All detainees will be given adequate medical care during their incarceration. Our medical services are also supported by the Tengah Airbase Medical Centre, NUH and also Changi General Hospital if the need arises.
2. Can I write a letter to a detainee?
Yes.
3. I have just received a Visit Notification Letter, but the schedule visit date stated therein has already lapsed. How can I visit the detainee?
You can contact the Records Office at 6424 6666 to arrange for another appointment date.
4. Can anyone besides the parent unit of the detainees pick up the detainee on the day of their release?
At no time shall the detainee/military prisoner be released from the detention barracks/military prison as the case may be, to his family or any other party.
5.. Can the detainee write letters while serving detention in Detention Barracks?
Every detainee and military prisoner shall be allowed to write one letter per week.
6. What are the visiting days and what is the duration of the visit?
Visiting days are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and the first appointment starts from 1.30pm and ends at 3.00pm. Visitors are allowed to visit the detainee for 30 minutes.
7. How many visits is the serviceman entitled to?
Each serviceman is entitled to one visit per week.
8. What happens if the family members can't turn up on the date specified for their first visit?
The family members can call Records Office of SAF Detention Barracks at 6424 6666 and arrange for another date and time.
9. What is the dress code of the family members when they come for parent visit?
The family must wear appropriately when they come for parent visit. SAF Detention Barracks will send a slip indicating the dress code together with the parent-visiting letter. -
Now I all out show hand.
On Tuesday I RSI at Maju camp.
I got a referral to IMH on the same day. The consultant gave me only 2 days MC. Warn me that my case is too light to admit ward.
How to be warded to enjoy a long break?
Act crazy? Act possessed? Act suicidal? Act dumb? Act insane? Act like animal?
Do extreme acts in camp like strip naked, howl like a wolf, bark like a dog?
Call 1800 278 0022?
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You are hereby advised that malingering (chao keng) is a serious military offence that will sponsor you a fully all-expense paid holiday trip to DB with a full body checkup (inclusive of anal inspection). A special bonus given is an extension of your ORD date.
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If you are really suffering, you are strongly urged to call the IMH or SOS hotline which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week non-stop round the clock service.
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HELPLINES
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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HELPLINES
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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HELPLINES
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): 1800-2214444
Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-2837019
Sage Counselling Centre: 1800-5555555
Care Corner Mandarin Counselling: 1800-3535800