A mental health literacy series, in collaboration with Ngee Ann Polytechnic, School of Humanities & Social Sciences
The World Health Organisation (2019) estimates that 264 million people globally are affected by depression. 20-25% of diagnosed mental health disorders are found in adolescents (Divin, Harper, Curran, Corry, & Leavey, 2018). Despite the effectiveness of treatment for depression and other mental health issues, many people continue to refrain from seeking therapy (Divin et al., 2018). Unfortunately, youths in Singapore are not spared from this reality.
Many youths suffering from severe and debilitating mental health issues still avoid or considerably delay seeking appropriate help. Failing to seek help or delaying the help-seeking process can lead to adverse health outcomes such as (Anderson & Lowen, 2010; Brindis et al., 2007; Laski, 2015):
- Substance abuse
- Engaging in risky sexual behaviour
- Lower quality of adult life
- Premature death
During adolescence, youths undergo socioemotional and cognitive developments. When disrupted by the onset of mental disorders, there may be adverse effects on their identity. Even mild mental health issues can cause social, emotional, or cognitive changes that develop into dire consequences later in adult life (Rickwood, Deane, Wilson, & Ciarrochi, 2005).
The seriousness of these consequences highlights the importance of help-seeking behaviour. So, what is help-seeking behaviour? And how will therapy help in the management of depression in youths?
Help-seeking behaviour refers to any action of spontaneously seeking help from the health care services or from trusted people in the community. It includes understanding, guidance, treatment and general support when feeling in trouble or encountering stressful circumstances (Umubyeyi, Mogren, Ntaganira & Krantz, 2015). An integral part of help-seeking behaviour is communication (Rickwood et al., 2005). It is recommended for those suffering from mental health issues to communicate their difficulties to others as a method of seeking assistance and treatment options. These difficulties may be communicated to either family members or mental health practitioners.
Why do people who experience mental health issues refrain from seeking help?
Despite the rising numbers of youths with mental health issues, help-seeking remains low because of their negative attitudes regarding mental health services and the public stigma surrounding it (Rickwood, Deane, & Wilson, 2007; Vogel & Wade, 2009). The stigma hinders willingness and ability to communicate the difficulties faced. Young people are shown to be particularly concerned about being seen as “mental” by others which leads to lowered intention to seek help. Past experiences of seeking help which were unhelpful would have also shaped their negative attitudes towards mental health services. During those experiences, they felt unheard, disregarded, and not taken seriously (Rickwood et al., 2007). By speaking up for one another, stigma and misconceptions can be reduced, and youths will also be encouraged to seek help.
To reduce the fear of being labelled, mutually positive help-seeking behaviour is essential. Mutually positive help-seeking behaviour means that the party on the receiving end must cooperate by responding to the distresses communicated appropriately. People may provide support by (Rickwood et al., 2005):
- Helping with understanding
- Giving advice
- Providing information and treatment options
Young people are often more comfortable talking to their friends and family about their emotional difficulties (Rickwood et al., 2005). Research has shown that this perceived social support has been consistently linked to better mental health (Lakey & Orehek, 2011). Having loved ones be there for you to provide emotional support would also reduce psychological distress (Ystgaard, 1997). However, youths often do not receive the sort of help they require from friends and family. Specifically, when youths seek their peers for help, their peers may be poorly equipped to provide helpful responses to difficult issues (Rickwood et al., 2005). Therefore, seeking professional help is integral, especially since youths with depression may experience suicidal thoughts.
Professional help-seeking, often in the form of therapy, is essential in overcoming depression and other mental health issues (Rickwood et al., 2005). It is widely recognised as providing protection against a variety of mental health risks, including suicide.
Professional help-seeking has the potential to protect individuals against the risks associated with the development of suicidal ideation and behaviours. Psychotherapeutic interventions focusing on suicidal thoughts and behaviours have been found to moderate immediate risks for suicide completion in individuals experiencing suicidal ideation or exhibiting suicidal behaviours (Rickwood et al., 2005; Brown & Jager-Hyman, 2014).
Furthermore, psychotherapy has also been shown effective in improving the quality of life of individuals with depression (Kolovos, Kleiboer, & Cuijpers, 2016). Moreover, according to Oud et al. (2019), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) was also found to be effective in decreasing chances of youths experiencing depressive symptoms immediately after the end of treatment. People with depression often experience deficits in a range of life domains such as social relationships, physical abilities, mental health functioning, role functioning and engagement in daily activities. By working with a therapist, people with depression have an improved personal view of their health status, well-being and functionality in day-to-day life.
Therefore, therapy is important in assisting people who suffer from mental health issues as it helps to navigate and overcome their complex emotions and struggles, which may be difficult or impossible for family and friends to provide.
If you or someone you know is coping with depression and need to talk, do not hesitate to call the following helplines:
| Organisation | Details | Operating hours | Contact Information |
| Samaritans of Singapore | Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) is dedicated to providing confidential emotional support to individuals facing a crisis, thinking about or affected by suicide. | 24 Hour Hotline | 1800 221 4444 |
| REACH Counselling Centre | For individuals, couples and families, with a particular focus on marital and family work. | Helpline operating hours: Mon to Fri:9am – 5pm Sat: 9am – 1pm | 6801 0730 |
| TOUCHline (TOUCH Youth) | A helpline for youth-related issues. It is manned by TOUCH Youth’s team of counsellors who provide cyber wellness/ youth-related information or advice to both parents and youths. | Helpline operating hours:Mon to Fri:9am – 6pm, (except Public Holidays, eve of New Year, Chinese New Year & Christmas) | 1800 377 2252 |
| Institute of Mental Health (IMH) | For those in a mental health crisis and/or seeking medical help. | 24 Hour hotline | 6389 2222 |
For more information, click on the attached link. https://www.ncss.gov.sg/NCSS/media/NCSS-Documents-and-Forms/NCSS%20Internal%20Documents/LIST-OF-HELPLINES.pdf
Shared with permission. This content was provided by Year Two Ngee Ann Polytechnic students created in consultation with The Psychology Practice. Read their previous article here.