Mental Health Statistics in Singapore: 2024 Survey & Findings

In recent years, mental health awareness has gained significant traction globally, and Singapore is no exception. 

With the aim of understanding the prevailing 2024 mental health landscape in Singapore, Sofia Wellness conducted a comprehensive mental health survey. 

Through this article, we seek to provide an overview of the survey findings, shedding light on the state of mental health and challenges faced by individuals in Singapore. 

By analysing the data collected, we aim to identify trends, gaps, and areas of improvement in the mental health ecosystem, thereby facilitating informed discussions and guiding future initiatives in this space.

Purpose of Survey

This survey delves into various aspects of mental health, including stress levels, loneliness, anxiety, depression, awareness of resources, perception of stigma, engagement in self-care activities, and accessibility of mental health services.

Ultimately, it aims to provide an initial assessment of mental health levels in Singapore [as of 2024] while gauging the public’s awareness of basic mental health initiatives.

Data Collection

The survey was held on Qualtrics, and was conducted in 2024, between the periods of January to March. Respondents were recruited through a combination of word-of-mouth referrals and distribution of survey links via social platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Instagram.

Demographic of Respondents

In total, 115 respondents participated in this study. 

The age distribution varied, with:

• 2 respondents under 18 years old
• 38 respondents aged 18-24
• 31 respondents aged 25-34
• 13 respondents aged 35-44
• 17 respondents aged 45-54
• 6 respondents aged 55-64
• and 8 respondents aged 65 and above

In terms of gender, there were:

• 56 female respondents
• 57 male respondents
• and 2 respondents who preferred not to disclose their gender

Regarding educational backgrounds:

• 14 respondents had completed secondary school or below
• 33 respondents held diplomas
• 57 respondents obtained bachelor’s degrees
• and 11 respondents possessed master’s degrees

Summary of Survey Results 

In this section, we present the results of the survey, providing insights into mental health statistics in Singapore gathered from the responses of our diverse pool of participants.

Stress in Singapore

Questions 4–5 of the survey aimed to grasp the stress encounters of participants throughout the previous year. Our goal was to determine the frequency of stress experiences among these participants and identify the factors influencing their stress levels.

Overall, among the 115 participants, the majority (80.8%) experienced stress occasionally or frequently, with a smaller percentage reporting rare (10.5%) or almost constant stress (8.7%)

Work-related issues were the main stressor for most respondents, with 73 individuals citing this factor. Academic-related struggles and relationship problems were also significant stress contributors, with 40 and 37 individuals reporting these factors respectively. 

By Gender

Females Reported Higher Levels of Frequent Stress: Females reported higher levels of frequent stress at 46.43%, compared to 35.09% among males. On the other hand, males reported a slightly higher percentage of occasional stress at 47.37%, compared to 33.93% among females.

By Age Group

Decreased Frequency of Stress With Age: One intriguing observation is the varying frequency of stress across different age groups. For instance, the age groups 18-24 and 25-34 appear to experience stress more frequently, with at least 50% reporting frequent or almost constant stress. 

This is consistent with existing research by the National Youth Council Singapore and LinkedIn that this age group experiences high levels of stress due to future and adulting concerns. 

On the other hand, the percentage of those in older age groups reporting frequent or constant stress decreases significantly. Based on our survey, 50% of respondents aged 65 and above experienced stress rarely, with the remaining 50% only experiencing stress occasionally.

According to a study by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), older adults tend to be happier and better at managing their emotions than younger people. This aligns with the idea that with age comes more wisdom and emotional intelligence, leading to fewer negative feelings. 

Another theory from PNAS suggests that older people are better at focusing on positive aspects of their lives and tend to remember fewer negative experiences compared to younger individuals.

Our findings, which align with these studies and theories, demonstrate a clear trend where stress levels decrease with age. This age-related shift in stress frequency highlights the evolving nature of emotional resilience and stress management strategies across the lifespan.

By Educational Background

Increased Frequency of Stress With Higher Education Levels: An intriguing trend emerges from the data regarding stress levels across different education levels. Among respondents, 28.5% of secondary school graduates reported experiencing stress frequently or almost always, while this percentage increased to 42.4% for diploma holders. Notably, among bachelor’s degree holders, this proportion rose to 49.1%, indicating a significant increase in stress levels as individuals progress in their education. Meanwhile, for those with master’s degrees, 45.4% reported experiencing stress frequently or almost always. 

These statistics potentially highlight a correlation between education level and stress perception, with higher education levels generally associated with higher frequencies of stress.

Loneliness in Singapore

Questions 6–7 of the survey explored the depth of loneliness experienced by participants over the past year. Our objective was to ascertain how frequently our respondents felt lonely and pinpoint the factors contributing to their feelings of solitude.

Among the 115 participants, a significant portion (44.3%) reported experiencing loneliness rarely, while 41.8% experienced it occasionally, 12.2% felt it frequently, and 1.7% reported feeling lonely almost always.

The factors contributing to feelings of loneliness among respondents vary across different aspects of life. Family issues and relationship problems are cited as significant contributors, with 28 individuals each attributing their loneliness to these areas. Work-related issues, a lack of social support and hobbies/interests also play roles, as indicated by 24, 21 and 20 individuals, respectively.

By Gender

Females Tend To Feel More Lonely: The data regarding loneliness and social isolation by gender reveals interesting insights. Among female respondents, 46.43% reported feeling lonely occasionally, 37.5% felt it frequently, and 1.7% felt it almost always, totaling 85.7% of female respondents experiencing some level of loneliness or social isolation. For males, 42.1% felt lonely occasionally, 35% felt it frequently, and 1.7% felt it almost always, totaling 78.9% of male respondents experiencing some level of loneliness or social isolation.

By Age Group

Younger Singaporeans Are More Lonely: The data reveals a notable trend indicating that younger individuals, specifically those in the 18-24 age group, reported higher frequencies of feeling lonely or socially isolated, with 34.2% feeling lonely occasionally, 36.84% feeling it frequently, and 23.6% feeling it almost always. Factors unique to this age bracket, such as transitions in education, entry into the workforce, and forming new social connections, may contribute to heightened feelings of loneliness. 

In contrast, the reported frequency of loneliness decreases as age increases. Older age groups, particularly those above 35, reported lower instances of feeling lonely or socially isolated, with only 23.5% feeling lonely occasionally, 47% feeling it frequently, and 5.8% feeling it almost always in the 45-54 age group. This could be attributed to several factors, including more established social networks, stable relationships, and potentially a greater sense of fulfilment or contentment with life circumstances.

By Educational Background

Singaporeans With Higher Education Are More Lonely: Among secondary school graduates, 50% reported feeling lonely occasionally or frequently, while this percentage decreased to 45.4% for diploma holders. Notably, among bachelor’s degree holders, this proportion increased to 56.1%, indicating a higher frequency of loneliness or social isolation in this group. Similarly, for those with master’s degrees, 54.5% reported feeling lonely occasionally or frequently. 

These statistics suggest a correlation between education level and feelings of loneliness, with higher education levels associated with higher frequencies of loneliness or social isolation.

Anxiety in Singapore

Questions 8–9 of the survey were centred on comprehending the levels of anxiety experienced by participants over the past year. We aimed to gauge how frequently our respondents felt anxious and identify the specific factors contributing to their anxiety.

Among the 115 participants, a significant proportion (47%) reported feeling anxious occasionally, while 15.6% experienced anxiety frequently, and 7.8% felt it almost always. In contrast, 29.6% reported rare instances of feeling anxious.

Work-related stress, cited by 62 individuals, including job demands and interpersonal dynamics, emerged as the most significant contributor to feelings of anxiety. This was followed by academic pressures, reported by 34 individuals, familial challenges noted by 32 individuals, and interpersonal conflicts mentioned by 30 individuals.

By Gender

Females Experience More Anxiety: The data shows that among females, 46.4% reported feeling anxious occasionally, 19.6% frequently, and 12.5% almost always. In contrast, among males, 36.8% reported occasional anxiety, 12.2% frequent anxiety, and 3.5% almost constant anxiety. 

These findings suggest variations in anxiety levels between genders, with females experiencing higher frequencies of occasional and frequent anxiety compared to males.

By Age Group

Anxiety Levels Decrease With Age: Among the 115 participants, younger individuals, particularly those in the 18-24 age bracket, reported higher frequencies of feeling anxious, with 34.2% experiencing anxiety occasionally, 31.5% frequently, and 18.4% almost always. 

This contrasts with older age groups, where the reported frequency of anxiety decreases, such as in the 55-64 age group where only 33.3% reported occasional anxiety and none reported frequent or constant anxiety. 

These findings suggest potential age-related variations in anxiety perception and experiences.

By Educational Background

Increased Anxiety With Higher Education: Among secondary school respondents, 50% reported feeling anxious occasionally, 7.1% frequently, and 14.2% almost always. For diploma holders, 33.3% reported occasional anxiety, 39.3% frequent anxiety, and 9.09% almost constant anxiety. 

Among bachelor’s degree holders, 29.82% reported occasional anxiety, 45.6% frequent anxiety, and 7% almost constant anxiety. Lastly, among master’s degree holders, 18.1% reported occasional anxiety, 72.7% frequent anxiety, and 0% almost constant anxiety. 

These findings suggest a potential correlation between higher education levels and increased frequencies of anxiety, particularly in the frequent anxiety category.

Depression & Sadness in Singapore

Questions 10–11 of the survey focused on understanding the levels of depression experienced by participants over the past year. Our aim was to determine how often our respondents felt depressed and identify the factors contributing to their feelings of depression.

Overall, the data shows that among the 115 participants, a significant portion reported feeling sad or depressed occasionally (52.2%) and rarely (36.5%). A smaller percentage reported frequent feelings of sadness or depression (8.7%), and only a few indicated almost constant sadness or depression (2.6%).

The data highlights a range of factors contributing to feelings of sadness among respondents. Family issues and relationship problems were the most commonly cited factors, with 42 and 41 individuals, respectively, attributing their sadness to these areas. Additionally, work-related issues, identified by 41 individuals, and academic-related struggles, identified by 25 individuals, were key contributors to feelings of sadness.

By Gender

Female Singaporeans More Likely To Feel Sad: Among female respondents, 53.5% reported feeling sad occasionally, while 14.2% reported frequent sadness. In comparison, among male respondents, 52.6% reported occasional sadness, and 1.7% reported frequent sadness. 

These findings suggest a nuanced gender difference in the experience of sadness or depression, with slightly higher occurrences among female respondents.

By Age Group

Less Feelings Of Sadness With Age: The data on feelings of sadness or depression across different age groups reveals important insights. Among respondents aged 18-24, over half (52.6%) reported occasional sadness, while 18.4% experienced frequent sadness. 

In contrast, the 35-44 age group stood out, with a significant majority (84.6%) reporting rare feelings of sadness. This suggests a potential stage of emotional stability or resilience during this life phase, or as one ages.

By Educational Background

Occasional Feelings of Sadness Are Common Across All Educational Backgrounds: The prevalence of occasional feelings of sadness remains consistent across all educational backgrounds, highlighting a widespread experience among respondents irrespective of their level of education. 

This finding underscores the universal nature of occasional sadness, potentially suggesting that it is not influenced significantly by one’s educational attainment.

Stigma in Singapore

Questions 14–15 of the survey aims to uncover the level and frequency of stigma around mental health issues in Singapore. Overall, a significant proportion of respondents (82.6%) agreed or strongly agreed that there is stigma surrounding mental health issues in Singapore.

By Gender

Majority Of Both Genders Agree Stigma Around Mental Health Issues Exist: The majority of female respondents (approximately 83.9%) agree or strongly agree that there is stigma around mental health issues in Singapore, while a smaller percentage (approximately 10.7%) disagree or strongly disagree. For male respondents, about 80.7% agree or strongly agree with the presence of stigma, while approximately 17.5% disagree or strongly disagree.

By Age Group

Majority Of Age Groups Agree Stigma Exists Around Mental Health Issues: Across most age groups surveyed, the majority (more than 75%) agreed or strongly agreed that there is stigma around mental health issues in Singapore. However, the 55-64 age group showed a lower agreement rate, with only 50% agreeing or strongly agreeing with the statement about stigma.

By Educational Background

Respondents, Regardless of Educational Background, Agree That Stigma Exists: Across different educational backgrounds, the large majority of respondents (more than 75%) either agree or strongly agree that there is stigma surrounding mental health issues in Singapore. 

Mental Health Awareness & Accessibility in Singapore

Questions 12–13 of the survey focused on assessing awareness of mental health resource awareness and accessibility in Singapore, as well as participants’ satisfaction levels regarding their mental health experiences.

A significant number of respondents (44.35%) reported having a general understanding of mental health resources but had not used them yet. Meanwhile, 29.57% were somewhat familiar and had considered using these resources before. Lastly, only a small percentage (9.57%) indicated being very familiar and having used the resources in the past.

Overall, a large majority (71.3%) of respondents have never used mental health resources before. Of the remaining 28.7% that have accessed such resources before, more of them (63.6%) were satisfied or very satisfied, than dissatisfied or very dissatisfied (36.4%).

Role of Government for Mental Health Issues in Singapore

Question 17-18 aims to understand respondents’ perceptions of mental health support in Singapore, including their views regarding the adequacy of government support for mental health awareness and their feelings about the accessibility of mental health services in the country.

When it comes to perception on government’s support, over half of the respondents (53.9%) agree or strongly agree that the government in Singapore provides enough support for mental health awareness and services. However, a notable proportion (37%) express some level of disagreement with this statement.

With regards to accessibility of mental health services, the majority of respondents (54%) perceive mental health services in Singapore as somewhat accessible or very accessible. However, a significant portion (28%) still considers these services somewhat inaccessible or very inaccessible.

These findings suggest a mixed perception among respondents regarding the adequacy of government support and the accessibility of mental health services in Singapore. While a considerable number acknowledge the support and accessibility, there is a notable group that feels otherwise, indicating potential areas for improvement in mental health initiatives and service accessibility.

Self-Care in Singapore

Question 16 aims to learn more about the types of self-care activities (if any) that Singaporeans engage in as a way to improve or maintain their mental health.

The majority of respondents engage in self-care or stress-reduction activities, with exercise being the most popular choice (65.22%). This is followed by socialising with friends and family (16.09%), reading or pursuing hobbies (11.30%), and practising meditation or mindfulness (7.83%). 

Additionally, some respondents mentioned other activities like listening to music, gaming, sleeping or napping, eating, and watching TikToks.

Summary of Mental Health Statistics Survey Conducted in Singapore

In conclusion, this survey has provided valuable insights into various facets of mental health, encompassing stress, loneliness, anxiety, depression, awareness of resources, stigma perception, engagement in self-care activities, and accessibility of mental health services.

Through this exploration, we have gained a preliminary understanding of mental health trends in Singapore as of 2024, while also shedding light on the public’s awareness of essential mental health initiatives.

Moving forward, we hope that these findings will contribute to ongoing efforts in enhancing mental health support and services, fostering a healthier and more informed society in the future.