CNA reports: Prevalence of poor mental health getting worse in Singapore; young adults are the highest!

Mental health has become a growing concern worldwide, and Singapore is no exception, reports Channel News Asia. Read the full article here.

According to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Health (MOH), the prevalence of poor mental health in Singapore has increased from 13.4% in 2020 to 17% in 2022. This is a worrying trend, but there is a glimmer of hope – more people in Singapore are now willing to seek help for their mental health issues.

In this blog, we will explore the findings of the MOH’s National Population Health Survey 2022 and discuss how technologies like facial and speech-to-text recognition software, such as Emo7ions, can play a crucial role in improving mental health outcomes.

The Survey’s Findings

The MOH’s National Population Health Survey 2022 collected data from around 8,000 adults through self-reported household interviews and about 9,000 adults through health examinations. The results revealed some important insights into the state of mental health in Singapore (Click on the following to find out more):

The survey found that poor mental health increased from 13.4% in 2020 to 17% in 2022. This indicates a significant rise in mental health issues within the population.

Younger adults aged 18 to 29 had the highest proportion of poor mental health at 25.3%, while other age groups had lower rates. Additionally, there were more females (18.6%) with poor mental health compared to males (15.2%).

Despite the rise in mental health issues, there was a positive shift in the willingness of residents to seek help. About 56.6% of Singapore residents were willing to seek help from health professionals in 2022, up from 47.8% in 2019. Younger adults aged 30 to 39 years were the most willing to seek help.

The proportion of residents willing to seek help from informal support networks, such as friends and family, also increased to 79.7% in 2022, reflecting reduced stigma around mental health conditions.

Game-changing Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment

Now, let’s explore how technologies like facial recognition and speech-to-text recognition, as exemplified by Eleos Sensors, can contribute to improving mental health outcomes in Singapore.

Take a look at a video of our respondent Kelly if she were being interviewed in the conventional way. See if you are able to diagnose her emotions and her sources of frustrations.

Now, take a look at her emotions processed by Eleos-Sensors and identify her emotions based on her spoken words.

Look at what her spoken words and emotions reveal:

How Eleos-Sensors changes the game for Psychiatrist and Therapist

The benefits of using technologies like facial recognition and speech-to-text recognition are many. Here are a few (Click on the following):

Eleos Sensors can (1) help low priority cases understand the challenges that they are going through with self-help, and (2) help identify high priority cases that require urgent attention.

Eleos Sensors can analyze facial expressions and detect signs of distress or anxiety with a high level of accuracy. By identifying individuals who may be struggling with their mental health, healthcare providers can intervene early, providing timely support and resources.

Eleos Sensors does not have a bad day, judge its respondents or becomes tired from over working or becomes impatient when the respondents becomes needy.

Speech-to-text recognition software can be used to transcribe conversations during therapy or counseling sessions. This allows mental health professionals to review and analyze these transcripts to better understand their patients’ concerns and progress over time.

With the help of these technologies, mental health professionals can tailor treatment plans based on individual needs and progress. This personalized approach can lead to more effective interventions and better outcomes.

The use of technology for mental health assessment and support can help reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. When individuals see that technology is used as a tool for mental well-being, they may be more willing to engage with it.

These technologies can make mental health services more accessible to a wider population. In a digitally connected society like Singapore, people can access support remotely, at any time of the day, reducing barriers to seeking help.

The findings of the MOH’s National Population Health Survey 2022 are a wake-up call to address the growing mental health challenges in Singapore. While the prevalence of poor mental health has increased, the increased willingness to seek help is a positive sign.

Incorporating technologies like facial recognition and speech-to-text recognition, as seen in Eleos Sensors, can be a vital step in improving mental health outcomes. These technologies offer early detection, real-time monitoring, personalized treatment, and help in reducing stigma, making them valuable tools in the fight for better mental health in Singapore.

Take your free Eleos-Sensors trial now.