Investigation

UWCSEA Partners

A review of the superb book "On Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End" by surgeon Atul Gawande, Gawande criticises medicine’s obsession with 'fixing' things when the reality is that "Death may be the enemy, but it is also the natural order of things".

Dr. Balfour Mount, the 'father of North American palliative care', argues for a paradigm shift in health care from the existing disease-oriented, science-based medical model to a more holistic approach. 

Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman, Chair of Psychiatry at Columbia University, imagines how the removal of stigma would result in better treatment for millions of individuals with mental illness.

A series of videos of youth and young adult advocates talking about their experiences with with mental illness.

The National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) highlights common myths and misperceptions about mental illness and provides a guide on caring for persons with mental illness.

"Major Depressive Disorder ... is one of the main illnesses that psychiatrists deal with. And it's not simply a matter of ... depressed mood or being bummed out when something bad happens. It's a specific constellation of symptoms." 

An animated video (just over 5 mins) that gives an insight into the life of someone with OCD and how individuals around them can help.

You may have seen him on TV during the COVID-19 crisis. CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains bipolar disorder and why the condition is so difficult to identify and treat.

Cecilia McGough is an astronomer, activist and mental health activist. She is the founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of the non-profit 'Students With Schizophrenia' which is the only non-profit in the United States focused on empowering college students with schizophrenia.

An Institute of Mental Health (IMH) study has found a common perception here that those with mental illness can get better if they wanted to and that their condition is a sign of personal weakness. Researchers behind the study said this suggests “considerable” stigma towards individuals with mental illness.

The latest official study "found that about 14% of Singaporeans have experienced a mood, anxiety or alcohol-use disorder in their lifetime. The most common mental illnesses in Singapore are Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Alcohol Abuse and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), with a rate of 1 in 16 people affected by MDD, 1 in 28 affected by OCD and 1 in 24 affected by Alcohol Abuse".

On World Mental Health Day, CNA talks to mental health professionals and advocates, bereaved parents and youths who have mental illness . They recommend that young people here be taught emotional and mental literacy for the sake of a healthy society.

This 30 min. film "uniquely illuminates the symptoms, emotions and side effects of depression using animation, comedy and music.The film helps to make a difficult and sometimes taboo topic more understandable".

"Every day, a typical hospital patient generates 150 million data points setting off over 1,300 alarms, 90% of which are never acted upon. Can we eliminate the incessant noise and also improve the quality of care? Inhi Cho Suh explains that by applying big data analytics, algorithms can inform medical personnel more successfully -- and more quietly."

"Yuko Morita describes how she became one of Japan's first facility dog trainers. Alongside videos of Bailey providing emotional support to the patients at a Yokohama children's clinic, Morita makes the case for bringing dogs (and their healthcare professional handlers) into hospitals everywhere."

"MediSave is a national medical savings scheme that helps individuals set aside part of their income to pay for their personal or approved dependents’ hospitalisation, day surgery and certain outpatient expenses, as well as their healthcare needs in old age."

It's complicated, but basically every working Singaporean and their employer contributes to the CPF. The funds are then invested and are used to cover healthcare costs, housing and retirement.

A local polytechnic student has decided to speak out about being born HIV+ in Singapore, facing prejudice and pursuing her dream of becoming a biotech engineer.

National Council of Social Service (NCSS) Singapore invited members of the public to a social experiment. Hidden prejudices were revealed and stereotypes were challenged. A well produced, thought-provoking video.

"Seven in 10 persons with mental health conditions face challenges  living with dignity because of the negative attitudes and actions of others." This social media campaign aimed to challenge the stereotypes.

How to help a friend, relative or classmate who has a mental health problem.

This webpage mentions suicide or suicidal thoughts. Please read with care. 

The rise of social media and high academic pressure have both been linked to increased mental health issues among young people.