It’s known that poor mental health and mental illness are on the rise, but what is less known is why. DR SANVEEN KANG is Founder and Principal Clinical Psychologist at Psych Connect; she talks us through the factors at play and the new mental health testing and a programme for mental wellness checks she’s launched to help tackle the issue.
What factors are contributing to declining mental health in Singapore?
Mental health conditions are on the rise globally and the trend in Singapore is no different. Some of the key reasons are social media and isolation. Loneliness and the sense of being disconnected from others was heightened during the pandemic and, unfortunately, has not self-resolved despite the increased social connectivity seen in today’s post-COVID world. Other factors such as living with someone with a mental illness and observation of conflict and violence within the home have also played a role in the decline in mental wellbeing in recent times.
A factor that I personally have observed is the over-compensation for the loss of experiences during the pandemic. You may have heard the term “revenge travel”; I would like to coin another term: “revenge wellbeing”. This is where individuals, including children, seek to compensate for lost experiences during the COVID period, attempting to achieve new accomplishments and persistent happiness (or a dopamine hit).
People also seem to believe that things have to be very bad to seek help. If they appear to be leading seemingly normal lives, not disrupted by extremities, they assume that they should be fine and should not be feeling down. This belief robs them of the opportunity to get help and invalidates their emotional experience.
What defines mental wellness?
It’s a balanced state of mind, going beyond being positive and the absence of mental illness. For me, mental wellness is when one is aware of how they are feeling, how they have reacted to the stressors in their life, what their strengths are, and how they can respond differently and lead a fulfilling life. Mental wellness ties into all parts of life – impacting our social, emotional, spiritual, academic, occupational and physical wellbeing.
What prompted the launch of your mental health testing initiative?
Over many years of practice, I’ve seen clients wondering whether they need therapy or if they’re doing well. Many are ambivalent about therapy or ask if they are catastrophising their problems. Some clients continue their journey with mental health professionals, and some don’t. Traditionally, clients undergo multiple sessions to explore their histories and concerns. The question psychologists often start the conversation with is, “What brought you in today?” Anyone who has visited a mental health professional will find this phrase familiar.
The new initiative was developed with the lens of being preventative as well as empowering clients to make an informed decision about their mental health journey. We want to know what happened to you, what brought you in today and, more importantly, what will empower you tomorrow! Armed with knowledge and clarity, we want our clients to make their own informed decision of where to go from here. Would you like to embark on the mental health journey, would you like to make some changes in your life and evaluate for yourself, or are things good and nothing needs to change?
What does a mental wellness check involve?
Our M-Power Mental Health Check-ups are a one-off service, just like a physical health check-up. You will meet with your assigned M-Power Consultant. The process is standardised; you will complete a series of formal testing tools and undergo a clinical interview. Then your consultant will conceptualise the findings, go through them with you and send you a concise memo summarising what was done and the recommendations for your records.
What happens after the assessment?
This is where empowerment comes in. Our clients know from the first session some areas that they can work on, some changes they can make on their own, and if they want to pursue this journey. Recommendations can vary but may include identifying areas that psychological therapy can support, the need for further diagnostic psychological testing, and referrals to our trusted medical doctors for further blood work related to hormonal imbalances and vitamin deficiency. We want to enable our clients to take control of their own health journey.
When should someone come in for a mental wellness check?
Just like a physical check-up, anyone can come in for mental health testing at any time. Our aim is for clients to come in on a regular basis, for instance, yearly, to see how they are doing. Currently, we offer mental health check-ups for children and adults starting from the age of eleven years. We have our thinking caps on and are developing a battery for children below that age. Remember, early identification and treatment is especially helpful, because later stages often trigger a personal crisis, making treatment more involved. If you think it’s time to take your first step to prioritising your mental wellbeing, we are here to help.
Expat Living readers will receive 20 percent off wellness checks (for the first 20 readers). Simply quote “EL Mental Wellness” when making an appointment.
Psych Connect is at 10 Winstedt Road, #03-13.
6493 0244 | psychconnect.sg
This article about mental illness and mental health testing first appeared in the February 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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