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Mental Health Pandemic

The term "Mental Health pandemic" was coined during the covid-19 pandemic which had detrimental effect on mental health of people across the globe. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported a 25% increase in the global prevalence of anxiety and depression within the first year of the pandemic, likely due to factors such as loss of employment, isolation, as well as the threat posed to everyone's health by the mighty virus itself,



In this article however, we recognise that mental health crisis has struck the world long before the pandemic, and it's on the rise ever since globalisation has hit the treadmill at a faster pace. Although the world has become a smaller place with increased connectivity, it is an irony that isolation has robbed people's happiness, now more than ever: We're all alone, together.



MENTAL HEALTH IN SINGAPORE


The Institute of Mental Health (IMH) has released the findings of the latest National Youth Mental Health Study (NYMHS). The study was done in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH) Singapore , CHAT (Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health) and NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health.


The study revealed that one in three young people aged between age 15 and 35 years in Singapore experience severe or extremely severe symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Although there is a 32.4% drop in suicide rates from 2022 (record high of 476 cases), with a total of 322 suicides were reported in Singapore in 2023, this is the leading cause of death for young people aged between 10 and 29; and these numbers are still substantial.


There is something dangerous about these numbers, and something needs to be done. Healthcare in Singapore is doing its best to protect its people, but what can we do for ourselves and others around us to make a positive change and bring the numbers down?


CARDINAL SIGNS OF DEPRESSION

  • Loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities

  • Significant unintentional weight loss/gain

  • decrease/increase in appetite

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Psychomotor changes (ex.agitation) severe enough to be observable by others

  • Extreme fatigue, unrelieved by rest

  • A sense of worthlessness

  • Guilt

  • Inability to concentrate

  • Recurrent thoughts of death (includes fear of dying, suicidal ideation)

  • Rumination


These are some of the red flags that clinicians look out for in patients suspected to be undergoing a phase of depression.



DEPRESSIONS'S DESTRUCTIVE NATURE

  • Exorbitant economic cost (lowered productivity, diminished job performance)

  • Health care expenses (Chronic poor mental health is associated with cardiovascular disease, Diabetes, negative effects of smoking, drug addiction, etc.)

  • The emotional toll it takes on a personal level will eventually also spill over and damage relationships and if widespread enough, it can disrupt social cohesion and peace if left unchecked.

  • Medications: What they can't do

    • They can't teach us social skills; they can't directly fix the problem which has caused depression to take its roots. Yes, they can play around with the chemicals of your body to cushion the blow but no good physician will ever promise a magic pill (that's why medication is always accompanied by cognitive behavioural therapy).

  • Adverse Drug Reactions of Anti-depressants

    • Types of anti-depressants:

      • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

      • Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

      • Atypical Antidepressants

      • Serotonin Modulators

      • Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

      • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

      • NMDA Antagonists

    • Patients need to understand that a pill is not the ultimate fix. When you are taking a pill such as this, you are making a trade-offs in your health.

    • Some side effects include sexual dysfunction, headache, diaphoresis, hypotension. bone resorption, constipation, etc. It is pertinent to understand that taking these medications comes with a cost.



WAYS TO DETANGLE YOUR MIND

  • Understand the origin of the problem

    • "The spotlight effect": A psychological phenomenon where individuals tend to overestimate how much others are paying attention to them, especially when it comes to mistakes or flaws. Basically, you think everyone's watching you, when in actual fact, everyone is just minding their own business.

    • Internal orientation: When you're internally oriented at all times, you're always engaged with what's going on inside of you (judgements, feelings, believes) and less likely to listen to others/ catch other's perspectives/ empathise with others.

    • Genetic hand-downs: Depression has a strong genetic component. Some diseases are caused by a single defective gene (ex. Cystic fibrosis, several kinds of muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease and many more; all of which are rare occurrences. In the case of depression, there seem to be combinations of genetic changes that predispose some people to become ill. Research however, has not definitively concluded the exact genes that are involved in the manifestation of this disease.



  • Steps that you can take

    • Positive relationships: Say no to people who drain your energy. It's okay to say goodbye to people who don't genuinely respect or support you. Quality of relationships always tops quantity.

    • Healthy social skills: Get yourself out and make time for real-life interactions as opposed to virtual socialisation through social media

    • You have "mirror neurons":

      • Have you caught yourself smiling at someone just because they smiled at you although they are a stranger?

      • Mirror neuron system is a group of specialised neurons that “mirrors” the actions and behaviour of others. The involvement of mirror neuron system (MNS) is implicated in neurocognitive functions (social cognition, language, empathy, etc.)

      • So on your part, keep a pleasant smile on your face, have friendly interactions with strangers, say your "thank you"s and "have a nice day"s at the check-out counters while purchasing items. Simple acts like these add on.

    • Develop Behavioural & Cognitive flexibility

      • "That's just how I am" as a response to tricky situations (ex.confrontations, contentious disagreements) is a recipe for disaster.

      • Your willingness to explore new ideas, to patiently listen to views contradicting your own, to get your point across in an argument without getting emotionally charged, are all a reflection of behavioural & cognitive flexibility.

      • Be at ease with your surroundings and don't always try to prove a point to others. When you practice silence and patience, you will be more receptive to constructive critcisms too, which will eventually make you a better person.



    • Don't label yourself

      • Invite change in your life and remember that you can never estimate your worth and potential as you are always discovering yourself

    • Excercise gratitude everyday: Your problems are not as big as they seem, and there are so many others around the world who do not have their basic needs fulfilled. Take a moment each day to think about all the comfort and safety that you may have been taking for granted all along.

    • Give others the benefit of doubt: Don't attribute someone's rudeness to their character instantly. Maybe they're having the worst day of their life, and you'll never know. Everyone's fighting their own battles, just like you, So be kind, always, and that will help you with your mental health in the long run.



ALL IN ALL, depression is such a huge topic of discussion that psychologists, neurologists, and physicians of all specialties are still exploring and expanding on. Although healthcare professionals are there to help you, you need to take ownership for your mental wellbeing, put in the effort to help yourself, and ask for guidance when you find yourself in true need of it.

 
 
 

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