Burnout exacerbated by long hours and shifting protocols
Singapore’s healthcare workers continue to experience significant mental health challenges as the Covid-19 pandemic stretches into its third year. Extended working hours, frequent updates to pandemic protocols, and the constant threat of redeployment to new roles have amplified stress levels among caregivers.
Mental Health Under Strain
At a recent webinar on global mental health challenges, Dr Tan Weng Mooi, director of Integrated Health Promotion at the Ministry of Health’s Office for Healthcare Transformation, highlighted the pervasive anxiety among healthcare professionals. Redeployment fears, coupled with the pressures of managing surging Covid-19 cases, have severely impacted their mental well-being.
The panel also underscored the cultural stigma around mental health, particularly in Asian societies, which often prevents individuals from seeking the help they need. This stigma risks compounding existing issues, as untreated mental health conditions can escalate under prolonged stress.
Economic Impact of Stress-Related Illnesses
Stress and its associated illnesses have far-reaching consequences beyond personal well-being. A 2019 report by Asia Care Group, commissioned by Cigna, revealed that Singapore spends approximately US$2.3 billion (S$3.1 billion) annually on stress-related illnesses. This represents 18% of the country’s total healthcare expenditure, ranking second-highest among nine regions studied, just after Australia.
The Importance of Self-Care
During the webinar, panellists emphasized the critical need for self-care as a tool to mitigate stress. Dr Cory Nam Owen, associate dean of students at Yale-NUS, remarked, “Stigmas contribute to hiding parts of ourselves and delaying help-seeking behaviour. Adding the stress of Covid-19 only exacerbates the issue.”
Suggestions for self-care included establishing consistent routines to foster a sense of stability and taking time to recharge through activities like walks or meaningful conversations with loved ones. The panellists encouraged individuals to prioritise self-care without guilt, framing it as a vital step toward sustaining their overall well-being.
National Mental Health Efforts
Singapore’s Covid-19 mental health task force, formed in October 2020, has worked to address the psycho-social impact of the pandemic on all demographics. The task force has identified three key strategies:
Developing a National Mental Health Strategy – A comprehensive plan to enhance mental well-being across the population.
Creating a Centralised Mental Health Portal – An online hub for mental health resources to improve accessibility.
Establishing a Mental Health Competency Training Framework – Training programmes aimed at equipping professionals and the public with skills to navigate mental health challenges.
Looking Ahead
As the pandemic evolves, addressing the mental health needs of healthcare workers and the broader population remains a priority. By reducing stigma, encouraging self-care, and implementing targeted national strategies, Singapore aims to bolster resilience and support the well-being of its citizens in the face of ongoing challenges.
