Mental Health of Students in Singapore
In a competitive society where one’s worth is often equated to their grades, especially for exams at a national level, it is very easy to lose sight of this ideology, and this is one of the biggest causes of mental health issues in students in Singapore.
This is especially prevalent in the youth of today taking their A-Level examination amidst the ever-evolving pandemic situation.
Stress is undoubtedly an important aspect of a student’s life but dealing with stress can be incredibly hazardous to one’s health and take a significant toll on anyone.
These youth are under immense pressure to perform well on the exams, partially from those around them but also from the expectations they have placed upon themselves.
Mental Health Statistics of Students in Singapore
Student mental health statistics have shown that 76.8% of 2568 students surveyed by the Community Health Assessment Team in 2021 were reported to have had mental health concerns, with mood disorder being the most prevalent diagnosis in 36.1% of these youth.
The Mental Health of Students in Singapore
Many such individuals also face a slew of secondary mental health-related problems arising from this such as mental health stigma which is the negative belief that many people today have against individuals dealing with mental health disorders and can also be seen in acts of discrimination towards individuals with mental health problems and disorders.
Cause of Mental Health-Related Issues in Singapore
This persists in our society today due to the lack of understanding of the mental health of students in Singapore.
Not only do these youth have to battle their mental health issues, but the lack of support and inaccessibility of resources coupled with the negative stereotypes and attitude surrounding mental health has made it even harder for them to seek help.
This is a pertinent problem at the age they are since they largely rely on support from adults around them and lack sufficient agency, being minors, to seek much help on their own.
However, this is not something that cannot be resolved at all.
Youths themselves can seek out other ways of managing and reducing their A-Level-related stress by focusing on managing the academic causes of their stress and burnout, adopting positive habits, and finally, wielding their hobbies as a way of coping with academic stress.
Academic Suggestions on Managing and Reducing A-Level Related Stress
To begin, students should recognize that it is simpler to prevent academic stress than it is to deal with the repercussions.
Training in time management may be incredibly beneficial.
Task lists, prioritizing, and long-term planning are all likely to assist a student in properly managing their time.
To-do lists may assist in prioritizing and spelling out exactly what has to be done, making a seemingly daunting pile of chores much more manageable.
Making a list of the things one needs to perform, reduces the feeling of being intimidated by assignments after one has visualized exactly what one needs to perform.
In addition to that, constant and consistent practice is crucial in building good skills and confidence in order to tackle exams and feel less stressed in the moments leading up to examinations.
Habit Related Suggestions on Managing and Reducing A-Level Related Stress
Secondly, students may relieve stress, address difficulties, and relax by communicating with friends or a loved one.
Family is often one of the most powerful and impactful support networks one may have.
Peer support, in addition to familial support, is extremely important in one’s life.
During adolescence, one is exploring and seeking to define one’s self-identity and may spend time trying out new hobbies or spending more time with friends.
As a result, it is critical to interact with a healthy support system in order to reduce stress.
If at all feasible, one can attempt to organize a study group.
Peer pressure is frequently perceived as bad, with peers pressuring one another to participate in undesirable behaviors, but when utilized properly, it may be inspiring and encouraging.
When people study with others, they are held accountable; the entire group also benefits since they may assist one another by addressing each other’s questions and doubts.
Being able to educate others and properly explain knowledge assists one to retain more information and indicates that one has a good understanding of the content.
Hobby Related Suggestions on Managing and Reducing A-Level Related Stress
Positive reinforcement may be achieved by rewarding oneself after completing difficult academic activities.
Setting up a reward system encourages people to look forward to completing a set of chores and encourages them to keep working.
One such example of positive reinforcement might be rewarding oneself by reading a book chapter every time a task has been completed to feel motivated to study and feel less stressed.
Physical activity is another technique to de-stress.
To boost energy, enhance attention, relax, and sleep, a nutritious diet should be supplemented by frequent physical activity.
Future Recommendations Regarding Mental Health Education in Singapore
Mental health education in schools is a crucial facet of spreading awareness on mental health issues and is a key step to take towards normalizing the conversation surrounding mental health.
Unless there is greater awareness of the importance of mental health, as well as a proactive push against its trivialization, its impacts on one’s health and society can be more serious than anticipated.
Communication is key as it would help to normalize sharing about one’s mental health issues and for others to be accepting and not judge them for it.
While pushing for others to communicate openly about their mental health issues, we must create a safe space for them to be vulnerable and honest.
Creating this safe space allows the tackling of the issue of stigma surrounding mental health as well because of the reduced judgment surrounding those who struggle with their mental health.
Transparency will avoid misunderstandings.
This is of utmost importance to provide support to the youth of today as they are at a juncture in their life where they face constant sources and streams of stress and may lose themselves to it if not faced with the help they need, being more vulnerable and struggling with establishing and exploring their self-identity on top of pure academic pressure.