During these troubling times, it is important to acknowledge your thoughts and feelings—whatever they may be. But if you’re finding it particularly difficult to understand your emotional wellbeing, then perhaps some professional help and guidance are what you should seek. Here are seven online platforms and resources that offer mental health assistance for those who need them, when they need them.
BetterHelp
BetterHelp is on a mission to make professional counselling more accessible, affordable and convenient for folks all around the world. With a team of trained and licensed psychologists, family therapists as well as clinical social workers, the largest global online counselling platform is able to reach everyone and make a difference. To get started, fill out a short questionnaire regarding your background and the issues you would like to discuss in online therapy. This will aid BetterHelp in finding you the most suitable therapist. The process may take up to a few days, but rest assured that your subscription period to BetterHelp begins only when you are matched with a counsellor.
Community Health Assessment Team (CHAT)
Empowering and supporting locals with mental health concerns since 2009, Community Health Assessment Team aka CHAT is a national outreach and mental health check programme by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). In addition to promoting awareness for mental health, CHAT also provides access to mental health resources and a confidential and personalised mental health assessment for young persons between the ages of 16-30. Simply speak to any of their support workers if you have queries by dialing 6493-6500/6501 or dropping them an email at [email protected].
eC2
An e-counselling centre for locals to speak with trained counsellors regarding issues they are facing, eC2 is helmed by not-for-profit voluntary welfare organisation Fei Yue Community Services. Freely share your concerns with a counsellor using the Quick Chat function after signing up for a free account, or make an appointment with eC2 once you have been assigned a fixed counsellor. Do note that the Quick Chat function is only available Mondays through Fridays, 10am-12pm and 2pm-5pm.
Mindline.sg
Launched amid the Covid-19 pandemic to help match users with suitable, useful resources and helplines, Mindline.sg has been developed by teams over at the MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation, Ministry of Social and Family Development as well as the National Council of Social Service and Institute of Mental Health.
Not only does Mindline.sg consolidate access to important materials, it also places a large emphasis on stress management and coping skills during these trying times.
Learn more about your emotional wellbeing when you take Mindline.sg’s self-assessment and get directed to the appropriate channels of support and intervention.
Over-The-Rainbow
Over-The-Rainbow envisions a world where mental wellness is a top life priority and because of that, it has set out to be a pillar of support for young people on their mental wellness journeys. Seek guidance when you head over to the resources page to learn about holistic self-care, healing and anxiety relief. If you’re so inclined, get involved by joining their growing network of partners and advocates here.
Silver Ribbon Singapore
The Silver Ribbon is here to encourage seeking help and seeking help early—all while facilitating the integration of people with mental health issues within our society through means of promoting mental health literacy. During this very difficult period, also find complimentary online emotional support by the centre. Simply contact 6386-1928 and 6509-0271 if you or your loved one is experiencing low mood, anxiety, disturbed sleep and/or poor appetite.
The Tapestry Project
The Tapestry Project is an independent, not-for-profit online publication that sheds light on mental health recovery through firsthand, personal stories. So hear from other locals who have been touched by the realities of mental health challenges and know that you are not alone. If you would like to share a story, you can also do so here.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please seek help immediately. For immediate support, contact the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) 24-hour hotline at 1800-221-4444. Anyone who finds themselves in physical danger should contact Singapore Police Force (SPF) or Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) immediately. Find more helplines here.
