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Recognising the Signs of Poor Mental Health: Awareness, Support, and Insurance
10 Oct 2025
Common mental health issues in Singapore
According to the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) in Singapore, about 1 in 7 people here experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives. The most frequently reported are anxiety, depression, and stress-related sleep disorders.
Additionally, a 2021 Lancet study found that anxiety and depression are now among the leading causes of poor health in youths aged 10-14, reflecting how early mental distress can begin. Some common mental health issues that youths tend to face include:
- Anxiety disorders: Anxiety disorders are often linked to high-pressure environments, whether at school, work, or home. Common symptoms include persistent worry, restlessness, and physical tension such as tightness in the chest or shortness of breath.
- Depression: Depression can stem from prolonged stress, burnout, family difficulties, or postnatal changes in mothers. Signs include feelings of emptiness, loss of interest in daily activities, or difficulty concentrating.
- Stress-related sleep issues: Stress-related sleep issues are becoming increasingly common in sleep-deprived Singapore. Many Singaporeans report insomnia or disrupted rest due to late-night screen use, overwork, or lifestyle imbalance.
Other conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive behaviours, addiction, and eating disorders, are also being recognised more frequently as mental health issues.
A positive trend, however, is that more Singaporeans today are able to identify symptoms of mental distress and know when to seek help. In fact, the IMH study found that over half of the population can now correctly identify mental health conditions, an encouraging step toward early detection and treatment.
Building daily mental wellness habits
Healthy mental and physical well-being starts with daily check-ins and habits.
These healthy habits encompass consistent self-care and lifestyle practices that promote emotional balance. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, or journaling can help regulate stress and promote calmness throughout the day.
Sleep hygiene is equally important; maintaining a regular bedtime, reducing screen use before sleep, and creating a restful environment can improve mood and focus.
Managing digital well-being, such as setting limits on social media use and curating online content, helps reduce anxiety and comparison fatigue. Meanwhile, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and spending time outdoors contribute to better mental and physical health.
Where to seek help for mental health in Singapore
While we are getting more adept at recognising the signs of poor mental health, we must be more proactive in taking that first step. If you or someone close to you is struggling, visit your family doctor or GP, such as a Parkway Shenton Clinic (which partners with Intellect to provide mental health support), or a polyclinic for an initial assessment and referral to the appropriate specialist if needed.
Specialist care is available from psychiatrists, psychologists, and counsellors, whether at the Institute of Mental Health, public (e.g., Singapore General Hospital, National University Hospital) or private hospitals such as Gleneagles Hospital, Mount Elizabeth Hospitals, or Parkway East Hospital, or established mental health clinics across Singapore.
Community organisations, such as the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and Silver Ribbon Singapore, also provide affordable counselling and support services for those who prefer community-based care.
In recent years, telehealth platforms, mental wellness apps, and online therapy services have made support more accessible and private, especially if you feel hesitant about in-person consultations.
What matters most is not waiting until symptoms disrupt daily life before seeking help.
How health insurance supports mental health treatment in Singapore
Insurance coverage for mental health treatment in Singapore has traditionally been limited, but this is gradually changing as awareness grows.
Integrated Shield Plans (IPs)
Most Integrated Shield Plans cover inpatient psychiatric treatment, typically up to a certain annual limit (for example, up to 35 days per policy year).
However, outpatient consultations with psychiatrists, psychologists, or counsellors are not always included unless you have a higher-tier or rider plan.
Corporate Insurance
If you’re employed, your corporate health insurance may include benefits for outpatient psychiatric consultations.
Many companies in Singapore are now introducing Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), which offer free or subsidised counselling sessions through partnered providers. These are usually confidential and available to employees and immediate family members.
Personal Accident or Critical Illness Plans
Some newer Personal Accident or Critical Illness Policies include mental health riders or wellness add-ons that cover conditions like major depressive disorder or anxiety-related hospitalisation. While these remain less common, it’s worth inquiring with your insurer to see if such options are available.
Mental health coverage in Singapore (2025)
Insurer | Plan/feature | Type of mental health coverage |
|---|---|---|
AIA | 1. Corporate Group Hospital & Surgical (GHS) 2. AIA Beyond Critical Care 3. AIA Health360 / digital wellness suite | 1. Inpatient mental health care “as charged” up to plan limits 2. Mental illnesses covered as part of critical illness benefits (e.g. up to 5 specific mental conditions) 3. Telehealth, wellness tools, and specialist referrals (including mental health) |
Bupa | Inpatient and day-patient mental health treatment (often with same limits as physical health) | |
Cigna | Cigna Individual Health / International Medical Plan | Inpatient, day-patient, and therapy coverage under general medical benefits |
Great Eastern | 1. GREAT SupremeHealth 2. Corporate/Employee Support with Intellect | 1. Psychiatric or mental health treatment up to specific limit 2. 24/7 mental health helpline and counselling access |
Income | Income Mental Wellness Insurance (SNACK by Income) | Outpatient psychiatric and psychotherapy coverage |
Prudential | 1. Pre- and post-hospitalisation psychiatric treatment plus inpatient psychiatric coverage 2. Outpatient psychiatric visits | |
Singlife | Primarily inpatient hospitalisation coverage; outpatient psychiatric not standard |
Long-term treatment can become costly when regular therapy or medication is required, which is why having the right insurance coverage is crucial. It helps offset these expenses and ensures continuity of care.
Breaking the stigma: Encouraging support and openness
Despite better awareness today, stigma remains one of the main barriers to seeking help for mental health conditions. Many people are afraid of being labelled or judged, which stops them from reaching out even when they know something is wrong. Families can play a crucial role by fostering open conversations and providing support without judgment. Employers can also help by normalising the use of mental health benefits and promoting EAPs as a safe resource for staff.
The more openly society talks about mental health, the easier it becomes for individuals to seek timely care.
Protect yourself: Know your coverage, before you need it
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and caring for it requires both awareness and financial planning. Recognising symptoms early and reaching out for professional help can make recovery faster and more effective.
Having the right insurance coverage or access to corporate benefits can ease the financial burden of treatment.
Take time to review your current health insurance benefits with our Coverage Checker to understand your coverage and identify any gaps.
