I had initially planned to write about how I’ve been coping with the mental strain of being homebound for over a year. But as I reflected, I realised something significant had happened two years earlier, something that quietly changed how we, as a society, view mental health.
Mental health remains a sensitive topic in many Asian cultures. While Singapore is often described by outlets like BBC News as “renowned for its conservatism and strict local laws”, we’ve made meaningful progress in the past decade when it comes to supporting mental well-being.
Decriminalizing suicide in Singapore
A quiet but important milestone occurred on 6 May 2019, when Section 309 of Singapore’s Penal Code was amended to decriminalise suicide attempts. The change officially took effect on 1 January 2020, and it marked an important step forward for Singaporeans struggling with mental health issues.
After decades, the government recognised that treatment, rather than prosecution, is the right approach. While prosecutions were rare, the law’s existence had long carried stigma. Its removal sent a strong signal that compassion should guide our response to those in distress.
“The shift from punishment to compassion was more than legal — it was deeply human.”
Interestingly, concerns that decriminalisation would lead to more suicide attempts proved unfounded. In fact, the number of deaths by suicide fell from 304 in 2019 to 166 in 2020.
As someone who has supported friends through their own mental health challenges, I see this as progress, but also a reminder of how far we still have to go.
Access and awareness still have gaps
From personal experience, mental health services are still limited in many polyclinics. Patients often receive only a preliminary assessment before being referred elsewhere. Aside from pamphlets and helpline numbers such as the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), follow-up support remains inconsistent.
Still, there are reasons for optimism. The legal reform also prompted updates to employment guidelines, preventing companies from asking job applicants to declare mental health conditions. That’s a small but important step towards reducing bias in the workplace.
Maintaining our mental health during COVID-19
Even before the pandemic, one in eight Singaporeans had experienced depression, anxiety, or insomnia. COVID-19 only amplified that number. Prolonged isolation, blurred work–life boundaries, and uncertainty about the economy created the perfect storm for mental distress.
I’ll admit, it wasn’t easy for me either, even though work was going well. As an introvert, I don’t go out often, but it was the loss of freedom that wore me down. Over time, I found a few habits that helped me regain balance:
1) Disconnect to lose the FOMO
Initially, I tried to compensate for the lack of movement by consuming endless streams of news. Unsurprisingly, that only heightened my anxiety. The constant flood of speculation and negativity clouded my perspective.
Eventually, I learnt that disconnecting from noise is one of the healthiest things you can do for your mind.
2) Staying connected, even if you have to schedule it
When home and work share the same walls, days blur together. It’s easy to think you checked in with friends “just last week” when it’s really been three.
Setting up calendar reminders helped me reconnect intentionally, whether through a short call or even just sending a meme to say, “I’m thinking of you.”
Connection doesn’t have to be constant; it just has to be intentional.
3) It is okay to have “Me” time
For those living with family, guilt often creeps in when we prioritise ourselves. But making space for yourself isn’t selfish, it’s restorative.
Personal time allows us to reflect, recharge, and show up more meaningfully for those we care about.
It’s been more than a year since COVID-19 began, and while we’ve made progress, the journey continues. Let’s keep caring for our mental health with the same seriousness we bring to our careers and businesses, because the mind, too, deserves maintenance.
Until next time, keep leading with empathy, and more importantly, don’t forget to take care of yourself.
– Terrence Quah