A recent study by Duke-NUS Medical School has highlighted that 77% of adults in Singapore experiencing anxiety or depression symptoms have not pursued professional mental health care. However, the research, conducted in collaboration with the Institute of Mental Health, found that a significant portion of these individuals are open to receiving peer support, suggesting a potential community-based approach to mental health intervention.
The study, published in the Singapore Medical Journal, surveyed 350 adults and revealed that 62% would consider peer support from individuals with similar experiences. This openness to peer support could address unmet mental health needs and complement existing healthcare services. Assistant Professor Irene Teo noted, “Fear of stigma and judgement can make professional care feel intimidating. Our findings suggest that peer support, which feels more informal and relatable, could help lower the psychological barriers that prevent many adults from reaching out for help.”
The research also identified that younger adults and those in managerial roles are more inclined towards peer support, possibly due to greater mental health awareness and stress levels. Furthermore, 51% of respondents preferred one-on-one interactions, whilst 43% favoured virtual support, indicating the need for flexible peer-support programmes.
Professor Eric Finkelstein, Executive Director of the Lien Centre for Palliative Care at Duke-NUS, emphasised the importance of designing mental health programmes that balance emotional support and guidance. He stated, “Mental health support is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Programmes and networks must be thoughtfully designed to provide the right balance of emotional support, guidance and safeguards.”
This study underscores the potential role of community-based peer support in enhancing mental health care accessibility and effectiveness in Singapore.
