Redefining Success: Singapore Grapples with High Stress Levels

Singapore, long known for its thriving economy and driven workforce, is facing a reckoning as it grapples with being recognized as one of the most stressed-out places in the world. A recentIpsos World Mental Health Day surveyrevealed that mental health has emerged as the top healthcare concern for Singaporeans, surpassing even cancer and stress.

The rising stress levels in Singapore have significant implications for the country's economic productivity and overall well-being, highlighting the need for a shift in priorities towards mental health care. If left unaddressed, this trend could lead to a decline in the nation's competitiveness and quality of life.

The survey, conducted between July 21 and August 4, involved a nationally representative sample of approximately 1,000 Singaporean citizens aged 21 to 74. The findings paint a stark picture: 46% of Singaporeans consider mental health as the most pressing health problem facing the nation, and while 78% believe that their mental health is equally vital as their physical health, only 54% feel that Singapore's healthcare system treatsmental and physical health equally.

The impact of stress on daily life is significant. More than half of Singaporeans reported that stress has affected their daily routines at least once in the past year, with 23% admitting to experiencing high stress levels that they felt incapable of coping with. Alarmingly, 39% reported taking time off work due to stress in the last year, and close to half revealed experiencing persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness for weeks at a time.

Why this matters: These findings have sparked a call to redefine success in Singapore. A recent Forward SG report released in October reveals that the concept of the Singapore Dream has shifted among young Singaporeans, with many prioritizing meaning and purpose over high salaries. Five individuals who made career switches share their stories, citing the pressure and stress of corporate careers as major push factors in their decisions to switch jobs and find their purposes elsewhere.

Tan Jia Hui, a facilities management professional turned fitness trainer, explains, "Money is not everything. There are so many other ways to earn money. So what if you have so much money but are not emotionally in the right state of mind?" Similarly, Christine Seah, who left the F&B industry to pursue pet grooming, states, "Purpose is everything. There is no way I could do any job or task if I didn't believe in it."

Melanie Ng, director of public affairs at Ipsos in Singapore, expressed concern over the findings and emphasized the need for increased commitment from employers, governmental bodies, and communities to enhance preventative mental health care. The traditional notion of success in Singapore is being redefined, with young Singaporeans prioritizing meaning and purpose over high salaries. As the nation grapples with the impact of stress on its citizens' well-being, it is clear that a shift in priorities and a greater focus on mental health is necessary to create a more balanced and fulfilling society.

Key Takeaways

• Singaporeans rank mental health as top healthcare concern, surpassing cancer and stress.
• 46% of Singaporeans consider mental health the most pressing health problem facing the nation.
• Stress affects daily routines for 53% of Singaporeans, with 23% feeling incapable of coping.
• Young Singaporeans prioritize meaning and purpose over high salaries, redefining the Singapore Dream.
• A shift in priorities towards mental health care is necessary to create a more balanced society.