In a significant step towards enhancing mental health support in Singapore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has launched the national mindline 1771. This new helpline and textline service provides a safe and confidential space for individuals to seek assistance for their mental health needs.
Multi-Channel Access for Help
Available from Wednesday, 18 June 2024, mindline 1771 offers three convenient methods for communication:
- Dial 1771 for direct support.
- Send a WhatsApp message to +65-6669-1771.
- Use the chat widget at mindline.sg.
This multi-channel approach ensures that users can access help in a way that feels most comfortable to them, encouraging more individuals to reach out.
Confidential and Professional Support
With a team of around 30 trained counsellors, mindline 1771 is equipped to handle a variety of mental health queries, provide counselling, and refer users to appropriate services. Conversations are kept confidential, allowing individuals to seek help without fear of stigma.
A Growing Concern
The launch of this service comes in response to rising mental health issues amongst the population. According to the latest National Youth Mental Health Study by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), one in three young people aged 15 to 35 years has reported severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. This highlights the urgency for effective support systems.
A First Stop for Assistance
Senior Minister for Health and Manpower Dr Koh Poh Koon described the mindline as the “first stop” for anyone seeking mental health support. He emphasized the importance of providing a direct way for individuals to access help without navigating a complicated system:
“This is really about shortcutting the process for them and making them feel that help is just really at a fingertip away…”
Future Developments
In an exciting development, MOH plans to launch a pilot programme in late 2025 to recruit and train volunteers in counselling and crisis management. This initiative aims to foster community involvement in mental health support.
Transitioning from IMH Helpline
As part of this transition, the IMH will discontinue its previous helpline number 6389 2222 and route calls to the new national mindline. For the next three months, individuals calling the old number will receive a recorded message and be automatically redirected.
A Hope for Reduced Stigma
Ms Kunaaeswari D/O Padmanappan, a counsellor at mindline 1771, noted the importance of anonymity in encouraging open conversations about mental health:
“Having an anonymous helpline allows people to be more open to sharing, as there is no judgment involved…”
She expressed optimism that as awareness grows, more individuals will feel empowered to seek help.