How do I know if I have a mental health disorder?

Following our talk on Navigating Mental Healthcare in Singapore, it was clear that there is still a myriad of questions surrounding mental healthcare in Singapore. This article is part of a 3-part series and should be used to guide your discussions with a mental health professional. Any lists included are by no means exhaustive, and the descriptions below should not be used for self-diagnosing. Please always seek advice from a mental health professional. 

Part 1 – Do I have a mental health disorder?

Part 2 – Where do I seek help?

Part 3 – What are the treatment options available for mental health disorders?

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The 2016 and 2019 Singapore Mental Health Studies found Depression, Schizophrenia, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder and Substance Use Disorder to be the most prevalent mental health conditions among Singaporeans. 

With 1 in 7 people in Singapore experiencing a mental disorder in their lifetime, it’s important to continue increasing awareness and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.

Although mental health conditions can manifest differently in individuals, there are some common symptoms that you can look out for to help determine whether you, or those around you, may need to seek help for mental health conditions. Just a note from us - it is okay to ask for help, and you don’t need to wait for your mental health to be at an all-time low before you seek help.

Depression

It’s completely normal to feel down or low occasionally, and many of us have experienced feelings of sadness that dissipate over time. However, for individuals suffering from depression, these feelings are usually felt for long periods of time, and can affect daily life. 
Depressive symptoms are usually indicative only if they have occurred for a minimum of two weeks. Some depressive symptoms to look out for include:

• Depressed mood – feelings of hopelessness and emptiness 

• Loss of interest in almost all activities

• Changes in weight

• Changes in sleeping patterns 

• Fatigue

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

• Reduced concentration

• Thoughts of death or suicide

Although the most common type of depression in Singapore is Major Depressive Disorder, there are other forms of depression which are cyclical or situational, for example: 

• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

• Postnatal/postpartum Depression

Schizophrenia

Inaccurate media portrayals and stigma associated with schizophrenia has often led to the image of individuals with Schizophrenia as violent individuals, sometimes with split personalities. In reality, this is not the case. Most patients with schizophrenia are more likely to be victims than perpetrators of violence, and split personalities are a symptom of Dissociative Identity Disorder, a completely separate condition.

Individuals with schizophrenia face different types of symptoms and are diagnosed along a continuum according to number, severity, duration and types of symptoms. 

Anxiety

We all sometimes feel fear or worry. Fear is a normal response to unfamiliarity or uncertainty. However, prolonged feelings of anxiety which affect your daily life may be considered an anxiety disorder. 

Symptoms of anxiety include: 

• Feeling nervous or restless

• A sense of impending doom

• Increased heart rate

• Hyperventilation

• Inability to focus

• Gastrointestinal problems

Generalised Anxiety Disorder is the most common anxiety disorder faced by Singaporeans, but there are other types of anxiety, including: 

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Social Anxiety Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings from high (mania) to low (depression), with episodes lasting anywhere from a few days to months.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder:

There are 4 main types of bipolar disorder:

1. Bipolar I disorder – long or severe manic episodes, lasting at least 7 days or requiring hospitalisation

2. Bipolar II – both mania and depression, with less severe mania (hypomania) than Bipolar I and depressive episodes lasting at least 14 days

3. Cyclothymic disorder – symptoms of hypomania and depression that are not considered manic or depressive episodes, lasting for at least 2 years

4. Others: symptoms do not fall into the above categories, and may stem from other conditions or substance use

Substance Use Disorder

A substance use disorder (SUD) is a mental disorder that leads to a person’s inability to control their use of substances like illegal drugs, alcohol, or prescription medication. The misuse of these substances can lead to detrimental effects on our physical and mental well-being and can also become addictions. 

The severity of a SUD depends on how many symptoms are identified, which can include behavioural changes, physical changes, and social changes such as:

• Taking a substance in larger amounts or for longer than you’re meant to

• Wanting to cut down but not managing to

• Giving up important social or occupational activities because of substance use

• Continuing to use a substance despite it causing problems in your relationship

Where do I seek help?

The information provided in this article aims to provide basic information on mental health conditions. If you suspect you have a mental health condition, please seek help. Mental health services are available at various public and private healthcare institutions, such as hospitals, polyclinics, GP clinics and community services. Part 2 of this guide will detail avenues to access mental health services in Singapore. 

Specifically for substance abuse and addiction, individuals may fear receiving treatment due to legal repercussions. However, addiction is not a lack of willpower, and proper rehabilitative interventions may be required. There are public and private services in Singapore that provide confidential rehabilitative services. Please refer here for some options.

References

Owen, P. R. (2012). Portrayals of schizophrenia by entertainment media: a content analysis of contemporary movies. Psychiatric Services, 63(7), 655-659.