Working adults
Managing the stressors of career, family and personal mental health may be challenging for working adults.
Mental health issues can affect working adults across various levels and industries
Stressors come from all parts of life
Job stress, financial pressures and balancing work-life responsibilities can contribute to mental health issues.
Early care makes a difference
Timely intervention and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis for most mental health conditions.
Mental health affects in many ways
Mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, significantly impact individuals and society. They are among the top causes of disability and can lead to a substantial decrease in productivity among the working-age population.1
Negative perceptions are barriers
Negative perceptions and stigma associated with mental health issues can act as significant barriers to seeking help.
Understanding common
Work stress
Stress can stem from various aspects of work, including office politics, the pressure to perform, tight deadlines and toxic work environments lacking support and understanding.
Financial pressure
The burden of finances, mortgages and the general cost of living can significantly contribute to anxiety and stress.
Balancing work and family
Juggling work responsibilities with family life, including caring for children, can be challenging and stressful.
Marital issues
Relationship difficulties or marital discord can put a strain on mental health.
“Sandwiched” generation
Many adults find themselves “sandwiched” between caring for their ageing parents and supporting their own children, which can lead to increased stress and anxiety.
Health concerns
Physical health issues can also impact mental health, as dealing with illness or chronic conditions can lead to stress, anxiety and depression.
Anxiety Disorders
Unlike typical nervousness or stress, anxiety disorders cause people to respond to everyday experiences with intense and excessive worry and fear. These feelings are persistent, often uncontrollable and can be overwhelming to the point where they interfere with daily activities, relationships and overall well-being.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
- Excessive worry or fear
- Restlessness
- Rapid heart rate
Depression
Depression is a serious mental health condition characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities and difficulties in carrying out daily tasks. It can significantly impact a person’s emotions, physical health and overall ability to function in everyday life.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
- Persistent feelings of sadness
- Loss of interest in activities
- Difficulties functioning daily
Bipolar Disorders
Bipolar disorder is a psychological condition characterised by significant fluctuations in mood, encompassing elevated emotional states (mania or hypomania) and periods of lowered mood (depression).
COMMON SYMPTOMS of mania
- Decreased need for sleep
- Engaging in risky behaviours with potentially negative consequences
- Euphoric mood
COMMON SYMPTOMS of depression
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Losing interest/pleasure in most activities
Adjustment Disorders
Stress-related conditions that can emerge when an individual is struggling to cope with a significant life change or stressful event. These could include events like a major life transition (such as moving to a new place or starting a new job), a traumatic event or a significant loss (like a death or divorce).
COMMON SYMPTOMS
- Excessive worry
- Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
- Difficulties concentrating
- Changes in sleep or appetite
Grief
While a normal response to loss, grief can sometimes become complicated and lead to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
- Intense sorrow
- Preoccupation with the loss
- Difficulty accepting the loss
How we can help
We are committed to supporting your mental health journey with high-quality, personalised mental health care—no matter your age or experiences.
Personalised treatment
We believe that effective treatment must be tailored to the individual. Our team works closely with each client to develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses their unique needs and goals. This could include a combination of psychotherapy, medication management and lifestyle changes.
Proper assessment and diagnosis
We are skilled in conducting comprehensive assessments to accurately diagnose a wide range of mental health conditions, and are committed to providing care based on your specific needs.
Psychological treatment
We work closely with psychologists who are experienced in providing evidence-based psychological treatments, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and other therapeutic approaches. These treatments can help individuals understand and manage their thoughts, behaviours and emotions to improve their mental health and overall well-being.
Medication management
When necessary, medication can be an effective part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Our psychiatrist are experienced in prescribing and managing medications for a variety of mental health conditions. We closely monitor our clients to ensure the effectiveness of the medication and to manage any potential side effects.
Collaborative care
With your consent, we can work closely with other providers, schools, employers and HR departments to ensure a comprehensive and collaborative approach to your mental health care. This allows us to provide the most effective treatment and support, tailored to your unique circumstances and needs. We respect your privacy and confidentiality, and any collaboration with other parties will always be done with your knowledge and consent.
Shaping a healthier future
Create a balance between your work and personal life, and maintain healthy stress management, eating and lifestyle habits. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help when needed.
Medication, psychological therapy or a combination of the two could also make symptoms, mental health conditions and work-related challenges more manageable.
Reach out towards recovery
Community support and resources
Mental health issues are more common than we think—there is nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to seeking help. There is always support available, from employee assistance programs (EAPs) to mental health professionals who specialise in work-related stress. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Confidentiality
We respect your privacy—any discussions you have with us are kept strictly confidential.
Holistic well-being
Your mental health matters just as much as your physical health. Taking care of your mind is a crucial part of your overall well-being.
Postpartum Depression
Empowering New Mothers: Navigating Postpartum Mental Health in Singapore
May 2024
Frequently asked questions
I am struggling to balance work and personal life. How can I improve my mental health?
It is a challenge many of us face. Try to set boundaries between work and personal time, prioritise self-care and don’t hesitate to seek support from your employer or colleagues. Remember, your mental health is important and it is okay to put yourself first.
Work is stressing me out. What can I do?
Work stress is common, but there are ways to manage it. Time management, regular breaks and mindfulness practices can help. If you are feeling overwhelmed, it might be helpful to talk to a mental health professional. Check if your organisation has an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). You are not alone in this.
Should I consider medication for my mental health issues?
Medication can indeed be an effective part of mental health treatment for some individuals. However, it is crucial to have an open and honest discussion with your psychiatrist about it. They can provide guidance based on your specific needs, including potential effectiveness and possible side effects. This open dialogue will help ensure the best approach to your treatment.
Can therapy help with my work-related stress?
Therapy can be very beneficial in managing work-related stress. It can equip you with effective strategies to handle stress, improve work-life balance and address any mental health concerns stemming from your work environment. Opting for therapy is a courageous step towards better mental health and can bring about significant positive change.
I am worried about my privacy. If I seek help for my mental health issues, will it remain confidential? Will my employer or HR find out?
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of mental health care. Any discussions you have with a mental health professional are kept private and confidential. They will not be disclosed to your employer, HR or anyone else without your explicit consent. Your decision to seek help for your mental health issues is a personal one, and your privacy concerns are both valid and respected. It is crucial to take care of your mental health and you can do so with the assurance of confidentiality.
REFERENCES
Zachariah, N. A. (2023, June 28). Anxiety, depression could be costing Singapore’s GDP almost $16b a year. The Straits Times.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/anxiety-depression-could-be-costing-singapore-s-gdp-almost-16b-a-year