Erasing the Stigma
To first understand mental health, you have to talk about it. Unfortunately, mental health is considered a taboo topic in Singapore, but it deserves more visibility due to the rising youth suicide rates. Find out about the movement that strives to tackle the stigma of mental illness.
Written By: Natalie Teo | Illustrations By: Kaylyn Lim
Suicide Rate Rising in Singapore
Suicide is the leading cause of death for youths in Singapore aged 10 to 29. According to the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), the only agency providing a 24-hour helpline, the suicide rate rose by 10% last year. SOS has even called it a “significant societal concern”. This has led to the inevitable question: How can we prevent it?
PleaseStay Movement
On 29 October 2019, the PleaseStay Movement was launched by mothers who lost their children to suicide. It aims to raise awareness on youth suicide and spur those who are struggling with their mental health to seek help.
The movement aims to integrate agencies together to tackle the stigma of mental illness and make feasible changes in society, wherever they can. They believe that, through integrated continuous effort, they are able to increase the public’s awareness about mental health.
Lost a Child to Suicide
Doreen Kho, 44, one of the founders of the PleaseStay Movement, lost her son, Evan Low, to suicide when he was just 11 years old.
Before his death, he suffered from Asperger’s syndrome and depression. He shared his negative thoughts with his sister, and told his sister not to tell his mother as he knew that she was also going through a tough time.
Even though Doreen did not pressure Evan to achieve good grades, he felt pressured to achieve good grades just like his peers.
After his death, Evan’s friend left a message on his Facebook account, saying that they should have known when they saw him crying after he received his results.
Raising Awareness
For Doreen, creating the PleaseStay Movement ensured that Evan’s death was not in vain. She found purpose in helping to raise awareness of mental health in society, and potentially saving lives.
However, it can be a double-edged sword, as she has to tap into her pain and her personal experiences to offer help.
But that does not stop her, and other mothers, from their drive to bring about a society that does not ostracise people due to their mental illness.
Mental illness is not always visible to the eye. Regular-looking people suffer and struggle to cope as well. But they may not always seek help, due to society’s stigma surrounding mental health.
“Every single one of us has the potential to fall into depression,” Doreen said. “There is no way of preventing it from happening to anyone.”
Once society is able to open its eyes to that realisation, there will be less stigma surrounding this topic. More people will be willing to seek help for their mental health issues.
More lives will be saved, once we erase the stigma.
If you or any of your loved ones want to seek help, please contact the helplines below:
Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444
Singapore Association For Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
Institute of Mental Health Helpline: 6389 2222
