Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) has been uplifting lives and promoting mental wellness for all since 1968.
How we think, feel and act is influenced by our mental health. Cultivating mental wellbeing is key to a fulfilling and meaningful life.
We provide a broad range of services across our 9 centres. These include counselling, creative services, outreach activities, rehabilitation, skills training and job opportunities.
Let’s celebrate individuals who have overcome the odds, as well as those who have touched the minds and hearts of others. Be inspired by their stories.
Get our latest news and periodicals here. Feel free to contact us directly if you cannot find the information that you’re looking for.
Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) has been uplifting lives and promoting mental wellness for all since 1968.
How we think, feel and act is influenced by our mental health. Cultivating mental wellbeing is key to a fulfilling and meaningful life.
We provide a broad range of services across our 9 centres. These include counselling, creative services, outreach activities, rehabilitation, skills training and job opportunities.
Let’s celebrate individuals who have overcome the odds, as well as those who have touched the minds and hearts of others. Be inspired by their stories.
Get our latest news and periodicals here. Feel free to contact us directly if you cannot find the information that you’re looking for.
Major depressive disorder, also called major depression and clinical depression, is characterised by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person’s cognition, behaviours and emotions. Some people may experience only an episode in their lifetime, while and others may have multiple episodes.
In the Singapore Mental Health Survey conducted in 2010, it was found that MDD was the most common mental illness in Singapore and that one in 16 Singapore residents (aged 18 and above) had MDD at some point in their life. However, in spite of it being the most common mental illness, the median time taken for persons with MDD to seek help from the onset of the illness is 4 years.
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is characterised by periods of mania and depression. Some may experience a single episode of mania in their lifetime, which others may experience more. The cycles of bipolar disorder may last for days, weeks, or even months.
During a manic episode, a person might react impulsively, such as quitting a job, squander away money, max up credit cards or engage in reckless driving.
During a depressive episode, the same person might be experiencing symptoms similar to MDD.
In the Singapore Mental Health Survey conducted in 2010, about 1.2% of adult Singapore residents have bipolar disorders and the median time taken for them to seek help is 9 years.
People with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms. The severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms vary from individuals and the type of depression he/she has. Symptoms may include:
The symptoms of a manic episode include:
Depression, even the most severe cases, is treatable. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatments for MDD may include medication such as antidepressants and/or psychotherapy.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is now being offered as a treatment for persons with depression. It is a form of brain stimulation therapy which uses magnetic field to cause electric current to stimulate specific parts of the brain.
Mood-stabilising medications are often used to treat bipolar disorder to balance the fluctuating episodes. Psychotherapy is also encouraged to help the person develop strategies to better manage the condition.
In cases where medication and/or psychotherapy are less effective, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered.
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