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Let’s Shine a Light on Mental Health: Embracing Wellness with a Smile
July is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to prioritize our well-being and create awareness around mental health in Singapore. It’s an opportunity to celebrate our strengths, promote self-care, and support one another on our journey towards mental wellness. In this lighthearted article, we will explore evidence-based strategies and tips to empower Singaporeans in nurturing their mental health. Let’s embark on a joyful path towards emotional well-being, one smile at a time!
Break the Stigma:
Promoting Open Conversations and Acceptance:
Let’s challenge the stigma surrounding mental health. Encourage open conversations about emotions and mental well-being, promoting an environment of acceptance and support 1. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and no one should face mental health challenges alone.
Prioritize Self-Care:
Nurturing Your Mind, Body, and Soul:
Self-care is essential for maintaining good mental health. Prioritize activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and fulfillment. Engage in hobbies, practice mindfulness, prioritize restful sleep, eat nourishing foods, and exercise regularly 2. Taking care of yourself is a powerful way to boost your overall well-being.
Connect with Nature:
Embracing the Healing Power of the Outdoors:
Nature has a profound impact on mental health. Spend time outdoors, whether it’s taking a walk in a park, hiking in nature reserves, or enjoying the beach. Connecting with nature reduces stress, improves mood, and promotes a sense of tranquility 3. Let Singapore’s beautiful green spaces be a source of solace and rejuvenation.
Practice Mindfulness:
Being Present in the Moment:
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, without judgment. Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindful eating. This cultivates self-awareness, reduces anxiety, and promotes overall mental well-being 4.
Nurture Social Connections:
Building Strong Relationships:
Social connections are vital for mental health. Foster meaningful relationships with friends, family, and the community. Engage in activities together, join social groups, or volunteer for a cause you care about. Strong social connections provide support, reduce loneliness, and enhance overall well-being 5 .
Manage Stress:
Finding Healthy Coping Mechanisms:
Stress management is crucial for mental health. Explore healthy coping mechanisms that work for you, such as engaging in hobbies, practicing relaxation techniques, journaling, or seeking support from loved ones 6. Finding effective ways to manage stress improves resilience and promotes a positive outlook.
Seek Professional Help:
Accessing Mental Health Support Services:
If you’re experiencing persistent mental health challenges, seeking professional help is important. Trained mental health professionals can provide guidance, therapy, or medication if needed. Reach out to local resources such as the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) or helplines like the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) 7 .
Practice Gratitude:
Focusing on the Positive:
Cultivating gratitude has a positive impact on mental well-being. Take a moment each day to reflect on things you’re grateful for, whether big or small. This practice enhances resilience, promotes optimism, and fosters a sense of contentment 8.
Limit Screen Time:
Creating Digital Balance:
Excessive screen time can impact mental health. Set boundaries on your device usage, especially before bed. Engage in offline activities, connect with loved ones face-to-face, and take breaks from digital media. Strive for a healthy balance between the online and offline world 9 .
Embrace Laughter:
The Healing Power of Humor:
Laughter is indeed the best medicine. Engage in activities that make you laugh—watch a funny movie, share jokes with friends, or attend comedy shows. Laughter releases endorphins, reduces stress hormones, and promotes a positive mindset 10. Let laughter brighten your mental health journey.
During Mental Health Awareness Month in July, let’s celebrate the importance of mental well-being in Singapore. By breaking the stigma, practicing self-care, connecting with nature, embracing mindfulness, nurturing social connections, managing stress, seeking professional help when needed, cultivating gratitude, limiting screen time, and embracing laughter, we can foster a culture of mental wellness and support. Let’s embark on a joyful journey towards emotional well-being, one smile at a time.
References:
1. National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2021). Mental Health Stigma, Discrimination, and Prejudice. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/Mental-Health-Stigma
2. Mental Health Foundation. (n.d.). How to Improve and Maintain Your Mental Well-being. Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-to-mental-health
3. Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). Sourcenaturing and Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/sourcenaturing-and-mental-health
4. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Mindfulness Exercises. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/mindfulness-exercises/art-20046356
5. Mental Health Foundation. (2022). Building Good Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/your-mental-health/building-good-mental-health
6. American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Coping with Stress. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/
7. Institute of Mental Health Singapore. (n.d.). Services. Retrieved from https://www.imh.com.sg/clinical/our-services/
8. Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). Sourcenatitudes and Health: An Overview. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/sourcenatitudes-and-health
9. Royal Society for Public Health. (2017). #StatusOfMind: Social Media and Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.rsph.org.uk/our-work/policy/social-media-and-young-people-s-mental-health-and-wellbeing.html
10. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Stress relief from laughter? It’s no joke. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456
Author
Dr Leong Hon Loong
MBBS, MRCEM, GDip (Fam Med), GDip (Geri Med), GDip (Occ Med)
Dr Leong is a Family Physician at Frontier Healthcare with a special interest in Emergency Medicine, Geriatric Medicine and Occupational Medicine. He currently practices at Admiralty and Ang Mo Kio.
