ANNOUNCEMENT: Paya Lebar Branch Closed for Renovation 1 Jul to 4 Aug 2025. Alternate branch @ Potong Pasir.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Paya Lebar Branch Closed for Renovation 1 Jul to 4 Aug 2025. Alternate branch @ Potong Pasir.
Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, influencing how we think, feel, and behave in daily life. It affects how we manage stress, relate to others, and make decisions. A healthy mental state enables individuals to function effectively, cope with challenges, and maintain meaningful relationships.
Mental health concerns are more widespread than many may realise. In Singapore, studies indicate that one in seven people will experience a mental disorder in their lifetime. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders have been rising, particularly with increasing societal pressures, workplace stress, and personal challenges.
Despite growing awareness, mental health stigma remains a barrier to seeking help. As such, recognising the prevalence of these conditions highlights the importance of early intervention, and professional support.
When it comes to mental health conditions, it encompasses a wide spectrum of conditions, ranging from common issues such as anxiety, and depression to more complex disorders like schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
However, some of the most prevalent conditions include:
Several factors contribute to mental well-being, including:
Mental health conditions manifest differently in each individual. But some of the common signs to look out for include:
It is natural to experience stress, sadness or anxiety from time to time as these are part of life’s ups, and downs. However, if these feelings become persistent, overwhelming or start affecting your ability to function in daily life, it may indicate an underlying mental health condition that requires professional attention.
As such, consider reaching out for professional support if you experience any of the following:
| WARNING SIGNS | EXAMPLE |
| Persistent Emotional Distress | Feeling numb, disconnected or emotionally empty.Feeling sad, anxious, irritable or hopeless for weeks or months.Intense mood swings that seem uncontrollable. |
| Difficulty Managing Daily Responsibilities | Feeling mentally, and physically drained despite rest.Losing motivation at work or school.Neglecting personal hygiene or daily routines.Struggling to concentrate or make decisions. |
| Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts | Engaging in self-harm such as cutting, burning or other harmful behaviours.Expressing a sense of hopelessness, guilt or feeling like a burden to others.Having thoughts about ending your life or feeling like life is not worth living. |
| Sleep and Physical Health Issues | Feeling constantly restless, tense or on edge.Frequent headaches, digestive issues, or body aches without a clear medical cause.Insomnia, excessive sleeping or disrupted sleep patterns. |
| Social Withdrawal and Isolation | Avoiding friends, family or social gatherings.Feeling detached from loved ones or experiencing difficulty forming connections.Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed. |
| Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms | Engaging in reckless behaviours, such as impulsive spending or dangerous activities.Overeating, undereating, or experiencing drastic changes in appetite.Relying on alcohol, smoking or substance use to manage emotions. |
A mental health assessment is a structured evaluation conducted by a trained professional to gain a comprehensive understanding of your psychological well-being. These assessments help identify potential mental health conditions, determine the severity of symptoms, and guide treatment recommendations.
Mental health assessments are confidential, personalised, and are performed either by doctors, psychologist, psychiatrists or mental health experts. It is important to take a holistic approach, considering physical, emotional, and environmental factors, as it helps to tailor treatment recommendations that best suit each individual.
Some of the available avenues to have your mental health assessed are:
General Practitioners and Polyclinics (Mental Health General Practitioner Partnership, MHGPP) | |
Who | Individuals seeking primary care support for mental health conditions. |
What | Selected GP clinics, and polyclinics under the MHGPP offer mental health assessments, medication prescriptions, and counselling. |
How to Access | Visit a participating GP or polyclinic to discuss concerns, and obtain further referrals if necessary. |
Centre for Youth Mental Health, Institute of Mental Health (CHAT) | |
Who | Young people aged 16 – 30 years old experiencing emotional distress, anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns. |
What | A free, personalised, and confidential mental health assessment helps individuals understand their concerns, and explore ways to manage them. |
How to Access | Appointments can be made through their online booking system.Assessments are conducted at SCAPE (#04 – 07) or via Zoom or MS Teams. |
Community Resource, Engagement and Support Team (CREST) | |
| Who | Individuals experiencing early signs of mental health issues or their caregivers. |
| What | A community-based initiative providing screening, emotional support, and referrals to appropriate services. |
How to Access | Available at multiple community service providers in Singapore, particularly for those who are unsure about the type of mental health support they need. |
Community Intervention Teams (COMIT) | |
Who | Individuals with existing mental health conditions or dementia, as well as their caregivers. |
What | Provides psychosocial support, counselling, and therapy to help manage conditions effectively. |
How to Access | Typically connected through referrals from healthcare professionals or mental health services. |
A mental health assessment provides valuable insights into your well-being, and helps you take proactive steps toward better mental health. In fact, early detection of mental health conditions allows for timely intervention, personalised treatment plans, and improved long-term outcomes. Whether you are experiencing persistent stress, anxiety, depression or difficulty coping with daily life, professional assessment, and support can make a significant difference.
It is important to understand that seeking help is a sign of strength. If you are struggling, know that support is available, and taking the first step towards assessment can lead to meaningful improvements in your overall well-being.
Ignoring mental health concerns can lead to worsening symptoms, and complications in both personal, and professional life. Some benefits that come with early intervention are:
Neglecting mental health can have severe consequences, including:
At Phoenix Medical Group, we understand that seeking help for mental health concerns can feel overwhelming. That is why our mental health assessment process is designed to be thorough, professional, and supportive, ensuring that every patient receives the personalised care they need.
Your journey begins with a confidential consultation where you can openly discuss your concerns, symptoms, and emotional well-being. Our healthcare professionals will:
Once we understand your concerns, we conduct a structured mental health evaluation that may include:
Based on the assessment, our mental health experts will proceed to create a customised care plan that aligns with your needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences. This may include:
Mental health recovery is a journey, and we are committed to supporting you every step of the way. As such, regular follow-up consultations help to:
Seeking help for mental health is a courageous decision that can be life-changing. At Phoenix Medical Group, we prioritise a compassionate, patient-centred approach, ensuring that every individual feels heard, understood, and empowered on their journey to mental well-being.
If you or a loved one is struggling, know that help is available, and you are not alone.
Reach out to us to schedule a confidential mental health assessment today.
You may benefit from a mental health assessment if you experience persistent stress, anxiety, sadness, mood swings or difficulty coping with daily life. Other signs include changes in sleep patterns, appetite, energy levels or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. If these symptoms affect your relationships, work or well-being, seeking professional help is a good step.
Yes, GPs can conduct initial mental health assessments, provide support, and recommend treatment options. They may also refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist or counsellor for further evaluation or therapy if needed.
Yes, GPs can conduct initial mental health assessments, provide support, and recommend treatment options. They may also refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist or counsellor for further evaluation or therapy if needed.
A mental health assessment can help identify conditions such as:
Not necessarily. Treatment plans are individualised, and while some conditions may benefit from medication, others can be managed with therapy, counselling or lifestyle changes. If medication is recommended, our doctors will discuss the options and guide you through the process.
Yes, all assessments, and consultations are strictly confidential. Your information will not be shared without your consent, except in cases where there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, in which case, appropriate measures will be taken to ensure safety.
The duration varies depending on the complexity of the concerns. Typically, an initial assessment takes between 30 minutes to an hour, but follow-up sessions may be scheduled for further evaluation and support.
Some mental health services offer teleconsultations via Zoom or MS Teams for initial discussions. However, a full assessment may require an in-person visit, especially if physical health checks are needed.
Encourage open conversations, listen without judgment, and offer reassurance. You can help by suggesting professional support, and even accompanying them to an appointment. Avoid dismissing their feelings or pressuring them to "snap out of it", as mental health struggles are real, and deserve proper care.
After your assessment, our team will provide you with a personalised care plan, which may include therapy, medication (if needed), lifestyle recommendations, and follow-up appointments to track progress.
You can schedule an appointment by calling our clinic, booking online or visiting us in person. Our friendly team is here to assist you every step of the way.
If you have further questions, feel free to reach out. We are here to help.
