Sound of Mind

19/01/2023

"Why am I still exhausted after sleeping 8 hours last night?"

We’ve all been there, and it’s quite literally exhausting when you don’t feel rested. It’s even more frustrating when you can’t understand why. It turns out there may be something more to “not feeling rested” despite getting enough sleep.

Enter, the "Rest Revolution".

10/10/2022

As part of World Mental Health Day, we are working together with Cadence on a music video for their newly released single “Inside My Head”.

Lyrically, the song takes a more somber note, as frontman Seth Chiam explains. “The lyrics were written about difficulties I experienced communicating my fears openly. They were written around the time I went to see a therapist for the first time where I realised how much I had ‘bottled up’, and subsequently had to learn how to deal with them. The song became my way of casting these fears into the light”.

Listen to their music on Spotify here https://open.spotify.com/track/33wwfJWG2IAE6DIdHUbyzH?si=822e7b73c15c40b9 , and check back this space for the launch event for Inside My Head MV.

28/06/2022

The survey, conducted by the inter-university network, saw 470 respondents across the National University of Singapore , Nanyang Technology University, Singapore , Singapore Institute of Technology , Singapore Management University and SUTD Singapore University of Technology & Design . The inter-university network released the results of the survey in the UCare Mental Health Report on Tuesday (Jun 21), alongside recommendations to better support the mental health and well-being of undergraduates.

The study found that 49 per cent of undergraduates surveyed prefer to address mental health issues on their own, even though there is “a high awareness” of the avenues of support in their universities. About one in five respondents said they feared those around them would judge them if they used the professional avenues of help provided in universities and student-led initiatives. While undergraduates were fearful of being stigmatised and judged for seeking mental health support, nearly every respondent was willing to lend a hand to someone who needed support or was in distress.

The survey also revealed that self-confidence, career prospects and personal relationships were also key sources of stress, ranking in second, third and fourth place respectively after the 89 per cent who ranked work and study commitments as the top stressors. Undergraduates feel that there is a “deep-seated and unhealthy obsession” with grades, because employers maintain that academic grades are still the primary indicator used to screen candidates for hire. Unfortunately, such stress leads to the joy of learning often diminishing within this highly competitive environment, and students primarily focus on chasing grades and outdoing their peers instead of enjoying the process of learning.

The poll by the Inter-University Network (IUN) also found that three in four respondents want greater support for their academics, which includes having grace days — "allowable delays beyond a specified deadline that can be applied to all assignments" — as well as helping students with learning disabilities and mental distress. Respondents also indicated a desire for changes to academic policies, including increasing the degree of flexibility in the academic curriculum and allowing students to plan their academic pathway semester by semester.

24/06/2022

Many people have reported feeling anxious after the reopening, with symptoms including heart palpitations, a sense of dread, feeling short of breath or panic attacks. A spokesman for SHINE Children & Youth Services said some clients had experienced anxiety symptoms from being in public and crowded areas before the pandemic, but had forgotten these experiences after working from home.

In the United States, the American Psychological Association said in May 2021 that around half of the people polled for its Stress In America survey felt uneasy about having to readjust to face-to-face interactions post-pandemic. In the United Kingdom, 36 per cent of respondents in an Anxiety UK survey in March 2021 were "quite happy to stay at home".

A local study of 1,058 participants by the Institute of Mental Health amid the pandemic in 2020 found that 9.4 per cent had met the criteria for clinical anxiety and 8.7 per cent for clinical depression. The Shine spokesman advised people to seek help for their mental health once it starts to disrupt their ability to do things in their daily life and persistently affects their mood, appetite and sleep patterns.

21/06/2022

As part of a national study that aims to gauge how prevalent mental health conditions are in youths and their emotional resilience, the National University of Singapore, in collaboration with Ministry of Education, Singapore and the Institute of Mental Health, has uncovered some preliminary survey findings on mental health among youths in Singapore.

About 1 in 3 young people in Singapore has mental health symptoms, with those aged 14 to 16 having more serious symptoms, scoring lower in resilience, compared with other age groups, which suggests that more attention should be given to address their mental health needs. Meanwhile, roughly one in six young people said they experienced externalising mental health symptoms, such as hyperactivity, rule-breaking and aggression.

Young people facing mental health issues can soon receive care closer to their homes under a new community-based programme. Club H.E.A.L , Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH), Singapore Children's Society and TOUCH Community Services have been roped in under a pilot to help those aged between 13 and 19, and who have mild-to-moderate symptoms. Under the initiative, they will get help for conditions such as stress-related disorders, depression, addictions and self-harm behaviour.

24/12/2021

Losing one’s job can take a toll on their mental health and this became more common amid the Covid-19 crisis, especially with “The Great Resignation Movement”. This has become a worldwide phenomenon and psychologists are seeing more distressed individuals seeking help due to job loss or retrenchment.

Mr Praveen Nair, a psychologist at Raven Counselling and Consultancy, shared that the global pandemic has caused existing levels of anxiety to heighten as economies crash, people lose their jobs and are dying from Covid-19. On the other hand, Dr Joel Yang, a clinical psychologist at Mind What Matters, noted that social distancing and restrictions have impaired social support for those retrenched. This was evident in the increase in calls to the Samaritans of Singapore’s (SOS) helpline. SOS Chief Executive, Gasper Tan, shared that from March to August 2021, it has received an average of 144 calls per month regarding job loss or unemployment.

17/12/2021

As we are in the last month of 2021, let's do a quick check - how has your mental health been this year? Apparently, a survey found that two in five singles in Singapore say that their mental health has worsened in 2021. Does this ring true for you?

A matchmaking firm, Lunch Actually, conducted an annual survey among 500 singles in Singapore, with the aim to provide insight into their dating goals and journey. For the first time since it started in 2009, the survey included questions about the mental health and happiness of singles. It found that nearly twice of older singles are likely to feel that their mental health is worse compared to younger singles, with more women saying they felt worse compared to men. In addition, more than half indicated that they felt lonely, stressed or stuck.

The three main factors identified that caused the worsening of mental health in singles were all Covid-19 related, which has negatively affected their views of dating. Almost half of them said they did not feel confident or did not feel like going on dates. Half of respondents indicated that they had not gone on any physical date this year, adding that safety concerns made it difficult for them to get closer to their dates. Half of singles are also not as inclined to date someone who is not fully vaccinated.

10/12/2021

Musicians, like any of us, are human and experience big life changes or even, mental health issues at the scrutiny of thousands of people. Adele, one of the biggest female vocal powerhouses, is no different.

Adele went through a high-profile divorce and although she tried to keep it private, fans quickly expected new music that was based on the separation. The pressure from the public made the process difficult as she was already struggling with the breakup and going through anxiety. She shared with Rolling Stone that she has turned her life around and found new ways to gain control over her mental health - one of them being exercise. She has also tried sound bath, ancient meditative practice, giving up drinking for six months, and travelling to soothe her anxiety.

Most importantly, she has turned her pain into one of her most honest albums yet - 30. Her time in the studio recording the album would consist of a "six-hour therapy session" where she would unpack what she was going through at the moment, then spend the next two to three days producing a song that is a cut from her emotional bank. '30' is now one of the fastest-selling albums in 2021 with 261,000 chart sales in its first week. The album's lead single, 'Easy On Me', which directly addresses her divorce, has remained number one on the charts for a sixth consecutive week. Upon release, the single broke multiple major records, including the most streamed song in a day and week on Spotify.

03/12/2021

Have you been feeling tired, burnt out or stressed lately? Here's why - the Covid-19 pandemic has forced us into isolation and its mental health implications have had a domino effect on our overall health. It has become increasingly difficult to keep on top of our physical health as we struggle to adapt to the constant changes and the anxiety of financial and social pressures. You may start experiencing signs of anxiety and depression, such as feeling closed off, not having any motivation or not eating properly.

Experts say that our bodies and minds are interconnected, so if you suffer from mental health issues, then your body will start to feel the impact - and vice versa. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, headaches are associated with chronic muscle tension in the shoulders, neck and head. Pain in the lower back and upper limbs has also been linked to stress at work. As our emotional condition often mirrors our immune responses, you can improve your mental health by simply boosting your physical health - go for a brisk walk, pick up a new skill or do some yoga.

Look out for the early signs of poor mental health and pick up ways to improve your mental health that best work for you! If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek medical advice or professional help.

26/11/2021

Last week, we looked at trends of workplace mental health in the U.S., based on the 2021 Mind Share Partners' Mental Health at Work report. Mental health is not an individual's responsibility to address alone with self-care, mental health days or employee benefits. Thus we need to look deeper into how a company's role can affect an employee's mental health and what employers can do to make real change.

There are certain workplace factors that are not sustainable and can negatively impact an employee's mental health. 84% of respondents reported at least one workplace factor that has hurt their mental health, with younger employees and those from underrepresented groups feeling more affected. However, 54% believed that mental health was prioritised at their company. 47% believed that their company leaders were mental health advocates at work and that their managers were equipped to support them through mental health conditions or symptoms. These could have resulted from increased training and discussion.

When employers support their employees with mental health at work, they benefit through better engagement outcomes. Respondents that felt supported with their mental health were less likely to experience mental health symptoms and underperform or miss work. On the contrary, they are more likely to feel comfortable talking about mental health at work, resulting in higher job satisfaction and intentions to stay. They also had a more positive outlook on their company, resulting in them having more trust and pride at work This reinforces the connection between workplace culture and its ability to support mental health.

Overall, employees require a stigma-free culture and an environment of transparency and openness. We hope that more organisations will adopt these solutions to achieve true cultural change and help improve their employees' mental health. Do your companies adopt any of these methods? How have they helped YOU? Share with us in the comments below!

19/11/2021

Within the past two years since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, there has been more awareness of mental health, especially as employees have started feeling burnout and digital fatigue from blurring working hours. In a follow-up study from October 2019, Mind Share Partners' 2021 Mental Health at Work Report shows a comparison of the state of mental health, stigma and work culture in U.S. workplaces before and during the pandemic.

The report found that there has been a normalisation of mental health conversations at work and an increasing need to address the stigma, which comes as a silver lining amidst the disruption of Covid-19. In 2020, mental health support went from being a commodity to a necessity and there has been a greater emphasis on the contributing factors to poor mental health in workplaces. Therefore, it is not enough to simply offer the latest wellness apps or use euphemisms, such as "mental wellbeing", without actually connecting what they say to what they do. Although initiatives, such as mental health days, four-day work weeks and enhanced counselling were implemented, employees require a sustainable and mentally-healthy workplace that takes real culture change.

So, how do workplaces and employers create a change in mental health and ensure a more sustainable environment? Next week, we'll explore the company's role in mental health and what employers can do to provide for its employees. Stay tuned for Part 2!

12/11/2021

Before Covid-19, mental health did not have as much awareness as it does today and with the lack of mental health education, people did not know how to cope or had unhealthy ways of coping with stress. TODAY's inaugural Youth Survey clearly show the effects of this in Singaporean youths as they cope with stress during Covid-19. In early October, TODAY surveyed 1,066 respondents, aged between 18 and 34, and its findings identified different coping mechanisms - the top 3 being exercising (53%), talking to loved ones (52%) and shopping (46%). With the absence of travel and social activities during the pandemic, youths have developed an increase in shopping tendencies driven by the extra finances, and time on hand as well as the convenience of e-commerce that provide instant gratification and stimuli.

On the other hand, some youths have picked up unhealthy habits, such as mindless social media scrolling, TV bingeing, snacking, drinking and smoking. These last two habits are more common in youths as they enjoy a sedentary lifestyle while staying at home. According to Dr Joel Yang, a clinical psychologist at Mind What Matters, people may find it more difficult to remain productive as they may be too anxious about their own circumstances or the global situation, leading to a sense of hopelessness. Praveen Nair, a psychologist at Raven Counselling & Consultancy, recognises that although everyone has their own strategies to cope with stress, youths should adopt better habits and healthier boundaries.

Therefore, this has led to an increased awareness of mental health since the pandemic heightened in 2020. The survey found that 66% of respondents are willing to seek professional help despite its judgments, especially for those with a higher monthly household income of $10,000 and above, and married individuals. However, among all the coping mechanisms, talking to a therapist was the lowest and Dr Yang has identified that there are several deterring factors in youths seeking professional help which calls for more education and support for mental health needed for our youths.

So, how have YOU been coping with stress and Covid-19? Share with us in the comments!

Read the full article: https://bit.ly/305AYIw

03/11/2021

It's the start of November... or shall we call it, Movember? Movember is an annual event that involves growing moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men's mental health, su***de prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. The charity event has turned into a global movement that is run by the Movember Foundation.

Join the movement by signing up at their website (www.movember.com) or downloading their app! You can participate by growing a moustache, moving (running or walking), hosting an event with fellow supporters or donating directly to fund their world-class programs. Your donation could help save a father, a brother, a son, a friend, a partner, a mans' life.

27/10/2021

27/10/2021

Last Friday, we wrapped up our last virtual panel on Workplace Mental Health and this marks the end of Sound of Mind Festival 2021. We would like to thank our panellists for believing in us and supporting our cause by being a part of the Festival! They provided valuable insights and we hope you have gained newfound knowledge in mental health and music.

Thank you to our panellists & programme sponsors -
• Wan Rizal, Adviser of Jalan Besar GRC GROs
• Cheryl Tan, Founder of The Breathe Movement
• Hery DeHaan, Founder of Recovernow Mental Health Consultants
• Lewloh, Artist & Songwriter
• Jack and Rai, Singer-songwriters
• Kester Tay, Emotional Wellness Coach & Co-Founder of Intracresco
• Jamus Lim, Associate Professor in Economics at ESSEC Asia-Pacific
• Evelyn Kwek, Managing Director of Great Place to Work Singapore (ASEAN & ANZ)
• Vera Soh, Regional Wellness Specialist (APAC) at LinkedIn

We'd also like to thank YOU for your support and for joining any of the panels during the Festival. Missed any of them or simply want to rewatch them? Don't worry - full recordings of all sessions are available on our YouTube channel, SoundofMind! Link in bio and don't forget to subscribe.

We also have more programmes lined up for you so do follow us on all our socials and stay tuned for more updates!

20/10/2021

Counting down to our panel this Friday on "Workplace Mental Health"! Are you experiencing burnout? This article might be just what you need.

Back in July, we did a series on burnout in both workplaces and schools, and introduced a 3R approach to help you counter it. We have combined the three-part series into an easy-to-read 5-minute article! To read the full article, head to www.soundofmind.sg/articles.

13/10/2021

As we countdown to our panel this Friday on "Breaking Stigma: Vulnerability of Men in Music", we want to explore deeper into the topic of toxic masculinity and men's mental health with some myths that men might face.

What are some common myths around men's mental health? We have addressed that men are seen as "strong, stoic and dominant" and having a mental illness might make them seem "weak and vulnerable". That is why men are also told to "shove aside" their mental illnesses, dismissing them altogether and preventing them from getting the treatment they require. On top of that, men have the tendency to develop addictions as a coping mechanism of a mental illness but people tend to mistaken it as a lifestyle choice. Therefore, these men are seen as lacking willpower and restraint. With the big stigma surrounding men's mental health, men have become afraid to let their employers know about their mental illnesses, thinking that their careers would be affected. This makes them reluctant to seek help and can cause their condition to deteriorate.

Want to learn more about men's mental health? Don't forget to register for our upcoming panel through the link in our bio! See you there.

10/10/2021

Happy World Mental Health Day! According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the objective of the Day is to "raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilise efforts in support of mental health". Most importantly, it is to break the social stigma around mental health.

This year, Singapore will be lighting up more than 20 landmarks in blue throughout October, as part of World Mental Health Day! You will see landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands and Gardens By The Bay lit up on certain days from now until 31 October. The theme "It's Okay - Take 5" encourages Singaporeans to prioritise their mental health and well-being, and seek help, especially during this challenging period.

Here at Sound of Mind, we are doing exactly that with our series of panel discussions for the Sound of Mind Festival, happening throughout October. Missed our first panel? Do not fret - we have two more coming up! Stay tuned for updates.

02/10/2021

[ANNOUNCEMENT] In conjunction with World Mental Health Day on 10 October, we are excited to be introducing the inaugural Sound of Mind Festival! We will be bringing you a series of panel discussions in the realm of mental health in the hope of starting conversations and highlight key issues in our society.

We will be releasing the dates and topics throughout the month so stay tuned! Registration will open soon.

To find out more, head to http://soundofmind.sg.

01/10/2021

As September comes to a close, this marks the end of World Su***de Prevention Month. However, the conversations should still continue on.

In July 2021, the Samaritans of Singapore reported an overall 13% increase in su***de cases in 2020, the highest increment since 2012. The numbers break down into a 7% increase in youths, a 7% increase in middle-aged adults, and a sharp 26% increase in the elderly groups from 2019. On the other hand, Singapore showed progress by decriminalising attempted su***de and revising the Penal Code in January 2020, recognising that treatment and not prosecution, is more appropriate for people who are so distressed they want to take their own lives. This encourages conversations on mental health and su***de, and seeking help, which would not have been possible without the teamwork from various mental health organisations, advocates and the community.

Improving the overall mental health landscape requires a holistic approach that is supplemented with better mental health awareness, sensitivity and training for intervention teams working with individuals who are suicidal or have mental health illnesses. As we enter October and observe World Mental Health Day, we need to continue advocating for mental wellbeing and resilience, and empower people to seek help.

In line with keeping the conversations going, we will be introducing a month-long series of panel discussions as part of the inaugural Sound of Mind Festival. By kickstarting conversations covering various topics of mental health in music, we hope to spotlight key issues in our society. Stay tuned for our announcement!

27/09/2021

At Sound of Mind, we believe that music has the power to enable, empower and enlighten. It is the most accessible form of media that can help anybody overcome any adversity in life. Therefore, today we are highlighting our differently-abled musicians and the importance of giving them the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the community.

1) Wheelsmith (a.k.a. Danial Bawthan), is a rapper and music producer that uses a wheelchair due to his muscular dystrophy. At age 4, he was diagnosed with this condition that causes progressive muscle damage and weakness. He later found music as he put his thoughts and feelings into rap verses and started making his own beats on his laptop. Eventually, he produced music for theatre productions and started performing on stage. Danial's goal is to set an example for the next generation, shift the focus from disability to ability, and be living proof that the disabled can follow their dreams.

2) Adelyn Koh is a singer-songwriter, who was born with a rare eye disorder called Peter’s Anomaly, making her visually impaired. She started having a strong interest in music at the age of 3 as she started learning to play the piano, then later picking up keyboards and singing. In 2012, Koh wrote and produced her first original album to help fund her cornea transplant operations and since then, she has been involved in numerous big projects. She has used music as a tool to overcome her obstacles and rise above her struggles with self-doubt and negativity and wants to change perceptions of those with disabilities.

There are also multiple organisations that support or embrace differently-abled persons and are doing As a society, we need to learn to look past stereotypical disabilities and celebrate the talent and abilities of these musicians. The only way we can do this is to give them a voice and let them be heard.

22/09/2021

Last week, we started the conversation on mental health in the Malay-Muslim community and tried to understand the landscape of it in Singapore. We addressed some of the more common contributing factors that contribute to Malay-Muslims not seeking any professional help for their mental illnesses.

If you're a Malay-Muslim and need a resource that is catered to you and the community, look no further than Club H.E.A.L. Founded by Dr Radiah Salim in 2012, Club HEAL is a non-profitable society that comprises of like-minded individuals who have a strong passion in helping people with mental illness and their family members lead a fulfilling and stigma-free life. They provide psycho-education and supportive counselling to persons with mental health issues and their families at their four Mental Wellness Centres across Singapore. Not only that, they also provide outreach programs to these persons and the general public.

Club HEAL works closely with other community organisations to ensure persons with mental disorders get the appropriate help they need. Although Club HEAL caters to the needs of Muslims, they welcome all person with mental illness, regardless of race or religion. If you or anyone you know may need help, reach out to Club HEAL and visit their website (clubheal.org.sg) to learn more.

15/09/2021

Singapore has been addressing mental health more openly now but there is still much to learn about the overall mental health landscape here. It is important to understand different groups of people and how they perceive mental illnesses so we can cater to them specifically. Today, we are looking into the Malay-Muslim community.

Although there has been more access to mental health services and resources in Singapore, more than one-thirds of Singaporeans with mental illnesses have not sought any help. In the Malay-Muslim community, the common contributing factors for this include conflicts in cultural beliefs and values with service providers, a lack of culturally-competent mental health professionals, income disparity and most importantly, negative attitudes toward seeking psychological help.

In addition, Muslims tend to attribute the lack of religious practice, such as prayers, as the main cause of psychological distress. They believe that the only solution to a stable mental state is through religion. As a result, this has formed a stigma around mental health within the community and Malays are significantly less likely to report their mental health issues or consult professionals.

What is religion's role in your mental health? Which would you turn to first - professional help or religion? Share with us your thoughts!

09/09/2021

As a Singaporean musician, navigating through the small music scene here can be daunting. It is also known that local audiences only pay attention to local musicians who have "made it" overseas. There is this preconceived notion that anything produced locally is subpar and Singaporeans tend to feel embarrassed about it, which is a phenomenon known as "cultural cringe". Locals are being selective and biased towards certain artistes that are signed to major labels or fall under specific genres, such as electronic dance music, rock, hip hop and pop. This means that smaller musicians may experience a lack of opportunity and recognition.

On the other hand, if local musicians choose to pursue a music career overseas in neighbouring countries, they are stepping out of their comfort zones as they have to adapt to foreign cultures and practices. They may also have to deal with criticism from both local and international audiences, or even privacy issues should they gain popularity.

So, do you have "cultural cringe" towards the local music scene? Or are you a proud Singaporean who supports local music? Tell us below!