07/06/2026
🧠 Mental Health Awareness Has Improved. Stigma Remains. Let’s Talk About it
Over the past decade, many developed countries have made significant progress in raising awareness about mental health. Conversations that were once considered taboo are becoming more common in schools, workplaces and communities.
Yet despite this progress, mental health stigma remains a reality in many parts of the world — including Singapore.
In countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan and South Korea, more people now recognise that mental health conditions are real, common and treatable. However, many individuals still hesitate to seek help or disclose their struggles due to concerns about judgment, employment opportunities, relationships and social standing.
The nature of stigma has changed. While awareness has increased, fears about how others may react continue to discourage some people from speaking openly about their mental health.
In Singapore, public understanding of mental health has improved considerably through education, advocacy and national initiatives. However, conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression and substance use disorders often continue to carry greater stigma than issues such as stress or anxiety.
This is one reason why Singapore's National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy places strong emphasis on:
✅ Normalising conversations about mental health
✅ Bringing support closer to communities and primary care clinics
✅ Encouraging early help-seeking
✅ Supporting recovery and community participation
✅ Reducing discrimination and stigma
One encouraging trend is the generational shift taking place around the world.
Younger people are generally:
• More open about discussing mental health
• More willing to seek counselling or therapy
• More comfortable sharing their experiences
• More accepting of others living with mental health conditions
Many experts believe society is gradually moving from the belief that:
"Mental illness is something to hide"
towards:
"Mental health is part of overall health."
However, attitudes often improve faster than behaviours. People may support mental health awareness in principle, yet still worry about how disclosure could affect their careers, relationships or reputation.
This is why continued dialogue is so important. Every conversation helps reduce stigma, encourage understanding and create a culture where seeking help is viewed as a sign of strength rather than weakness.
🎥 If you would like to better understand the human side of mental health, consider watching The Voices of Men, a powerful 10-minute UK documentary in which men anonymously share their experiences with depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief and emotional struggles.
The film focuses on hope, openness and recovery rather than clinical explanations. Through real-life stories, it highlights the importance of speaking up, seeking support and breaking the silence surrounding mental health.
Mental health affects all of us—whether personally, through our loved ones, our colleagues or our communities. The more we talk about it, the closer we move towards a society where nobody feels they have to struggle alone.
Very proud to share this film, it's something that means an incredi...
