Nearly Four in Five Singapore Adults with Anxiety or Depression Forgo Professional Help
A recent study from Duke-NUS Medical School has brought fresh attention to the significant treatment gap in Singapore's mental health landscape. Researchers found that 77 percent of adults experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression had not sought care from professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or social workers. The findings, drawn from a survey of 350 adults, underscore persistent barriers that keep many from accessing formal support even as awareness of mental health issues grows nationwide.
The study, published in the Singapore Medical Journal and conducted in collaboration with the Institute of Mental Health, highlights that while professional help remains underutilised, a majority of those affected remain open to receiving support from peers. This openness points to potential pathways for bridging the gap through community-based approaches that feel less intimidating than clinical settings.
Understanding the Scale of Unmet Need
Anxiety and depression affect a substantial portion of Singapore's adult population. Symptoms can manifest as persistent worry, low mood, sleep disturbances, or difficulty concentrating, often interfering with work, family life, and daily functioning. The Duke-NUS research reveals that these conditions frequently go unaddressed, with nearly four in five individuals not reaching out to trained mental health professionals.
This treatment gap aligns with broader patterns observed in previous national surveys. Factors such as cultural attitudes, fear of stigma, and limited knowledge about available services contribute to delayed or absent help-seeking. In a fast-paced society like Singapore, where productivity and resilience are highly valued, individuals may downplay their struggles or worry about repercussions in employment or social circles.
Barriers That Keep People Silent
Stigma remains one of the most cited obstacles. Many Singaporeans fear that disclosing mental health challenges could affect career prospects, family relationships, or even insurance coverage. Concerns about confidentiality and the perception that seeking help signals personal weakness further discourage action.
Practical barriers also play a role. Long waiting times at public facilities, high costs for private care, and uncertainty about where to start can overwhelm those already struggling. Language and cultural nuances add another layer, as some individuals prefer support that aligns with their background or communication style.
The study notes that even when symptoms are recognised, the step toward professional intervention often feels like a significant leap. Informal networks, including family and friends, sometimes serve as the first line of response, yet these may not always provide the structured guidance needed for sustained recovery.
Peer Support as a Promising Entry Point
One of the most encouraging aspects of the Duke-NUS findings is the willingness of affected adults to engage with peer support. Over 60 percent of those surveyed expressed openness to receiving help from others who have lived experience with similar challenges. Peer supporters, often trained volunteers or community members, can offer empathy, practical coping strategies, and encouragement without the formal clinical environment.
This approach could serve as a gentle on-ramp to more intensive care. By normalising conversations about mental health in everyday settings such as workplaces, neighbourhoods, or online communities, peer support reduces the sense of isolation that frequently accompanies anxiety and depression. It also builds trust, making the eventual transition to professional services feel more manageable.
Examples from other countries show that structured peer programmes improve engagement rates and reduce stigma over time. In Singapore, integrating such models into existing community networks could complement government-led efforts and reach populations that traditional services have struggled to engage.
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Government-Led Initiatives Under the National Strategy
Singapore has taken concrete steps to strengthen its mental health ecosystem through the National Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy launched in 2023. Updates shared in parliamentary responses in 2026 highlight progress on several fronts, including the establishment of the National Mental Health Office to coordinate multi-agency work.
Key measures include expanding capacity at the Institute of Mental Health and other facilities, increasing the number of public sector psychiatrists and psychologists, and rolling out mental health services across all polyclinics plus hundreds of general practitioner clinics. Training programmes aim to equip 28,000 frontline personnel and volunteers with skills to identify early signs and offer initial support.
These initiatives focus on prevention, early intervention, and reducing waiting times. By bringing services closer to where people live and work, the strategy seeks to make help more accessible and less daunting. Community outreach and public education campaigns further aim to shift societal attitudes and encourage timely action.
Real-World Impacts on Individuals and Society
When anxiety or depression goes untreated, the consequences ripple outward. Individuals may experience declining productivity, strained relationships, or worsening physical health. In the workplace, presenteeism — showing up but underperforming — can affect team dynamics and economic output across sectors.
Families often bear hidden burdens as loved ones provide informal care or adjust routines around someone's struggles. At the societal level, untreated conditions contribute to higher healthcare utilisation later, lost economic opportunities, and increased demand on social services.
Conversely, timely support can restore functioning, strengthen resilience, and foster more compassionate communities. The study's emphasis on peer support suggests that scalable, low-barrier interventions could yield meaningful returns in both human and economic terms.
Voices from the Community and Expert Perspectives
Mental health advocates in Singapore have long emphasised the need for culturally sensitive approaches. Community leaders note that younger adults and those in high-stress professions often face unique pressures, while older generations may hold more traditional views on emotional expression.
Experts from Duke-NUS and the Institute of Mental Health stress that no single solution fits all. A combination of professional services, peer networks, workplace programmes, and family education offers the best chance of closing the gap. They advocate for continued research to refine interventions and measure their effectiveness in the local context.
Personal accounts shared in public forums reveal common themes: the relief of finally speaking with someone who understands, the gradual rebuilding of confidence, and the value of consistent, non-judgmental support. These stories reinforce that recovery is possible when barriers are lowered.
Looking Ahead: Building a More Supportive Ecosystem
The Duke-NUS study arrives at a pivotal moment as Singapore refines its national strategy. Integrating peer support models into existing frameworks could accelerate progress, particularly in reaching those hesitant about formal care. Partnerships between hospitals, community organisations, and workplaces will be essential.
Future efforts may focus on digital tools for initial screening and connection, expanded training for primary care providers, and targeted campaigns addressing specific demographic groups. Monitoring outcomes through repeated surveys will help track whether treatment gaps narrow over the coming years.
Ultimately, normalising mental health conversations and ensuring multiple entry points for support can transform how Singaporeans experience and respond to anxiety and depression. The openness revealed in the study offers a foundation for meaningful change.
Practical Steps Individuals Can Take
Recognising symptoms early is a crucial first step. Resources such as the HealthHub portal or community mental health hotlines provide information on local services. Starting with a trusted general practitioner or exploring peer-led groups can feel less overwhelming than direct specialist referral.
Workplaces are increasingly offering employee assistance programmes and mental health first aid training. Employees can inquire about these options confidentially. Families and friends play a vital role by listening without judgment and gently encouraging professional input when needed.
Self-care practices, including regular physical activity, balanced routines, and mindfulness techniques, complement formal support but are not substitutes. Building a personal network of reliable contacts helps sustain well-being during challenging periods.
