Kickstarting a national conversation on mental health in Singapore through film and experience design
“An event like this is important because it opens up conversations and eyes. It’s these conversations that challenge current thinking and preconceptions and hopefully it will help destigmatize mental illness — not just in theory but in our day-to-day interactions.”
Dr Mok Yee Ming, Chief - Department of Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Institute of Mental Health Singapore
About this project
According to the second Singapore Mental Health Study conducted by the Institute of Mental Health during 2016-2018, research found 1 in 7 Singaporeans have a mental health issue.
The proportion of people with mental disorders who were not seeking help remains high, and a significant treatment gap remains.
The launch of the inaugural Singapore Mental Health Festival in 2019 brought a timely contribution to the national mental health conversation in Singapore.
Over the course of the 4 day event, we welcomed over 1600+ guests who largely comprised of youth and young adults. The sold-out program included 8 screenings of international and local feature and short films, each accompanied by a panel discussion comprising of medical professionals, caregivers and persons-in-recovery.
Through laying a foundation of honesty, kindness, empathy and compassion, we were able to make way for meaningful connections and sharing of experiences.