Public Suggestion: Introduce mental health education in schools

25^th February 2019

Mr Ong Yue Keng

Minister for Education

 

Dear Mr Ong,

Besides our suicides increasing, there has been a rise in the number of persons grappling with mental health issues here in Singapore.

If you had read the report in the Sunday Times “Breaking the silence on suicide”, (Sunday, February 24, 2019) you will read of how Ms Elaine Lek spoke painfully of the tragic loss of her son through suicide in October last year.  Ms Lek asked why sex education can be taught in schools, but nothing on mental illness is taught.

Research has revealed that 90 percent of people with mental disorders begin to develop symptoms of mental disorders during their teenage years.

In addition, 13 percent of children under the age of 18 have several mental conditions such as anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and disruptive behaviour. 

Society has to learn to accept that mental illness will be part of an increasing complex urban lifestyle. But the good news is that like any other illness, most mental illnesses can be controlled and managed. With love, understanding and early medical treatment, it is possible for many mentally ill persons to lead perfectly normal lives.

Bottom line:  We need to manage mental illness, before it manages us. 

I share the view of Ms Lek that if sex education is taught in our schools, so why not include mental health education.  A big YES:  We need to include mental health education in the curriculum as well.

Although in the U.S. mental health education is in its experimental stage, the good news is that in a few selected state schools, the results are promising.

Part of the education on mental health can include stories of persons who have mental health conditions and have turned their lives around with a positive attitude.

A holistic approach where doctors, patients and caregivers share insightful peeks into their journeys can prove most useful to students and even their parents.

Additionally, teachers who are under pressure themselves to secure good results from the students, will benefit from such true-life stories. 

I am sure with the right mindset, we can remove the stigma surrounding mental illness and raise more awareness of some of these conditions that could include depression, schizophrenia and bipolar.

The schools can either have daily classes or weekly classes on mental health education?

That said, I urge the Ministry of Education (MOE) to kick-start mental health education in a few selected schools as a pilot project – and when there favourable results, take it to the next level by introducing a mandatory mental health curriculum nationwide. 

With you helming the MOE, Mr Ong, I can see positive and bold changes taking place.

To this end, Minister, I hope you will give my suggestion some fair consideration.  

Thank you for your time – and I look forward to hearing from you, soon, Mr Ong.

 

Have a nice day.

Sincerely,

 

RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO

Got a reply from the Education Minister today, Monday 4th  March 2019, on my proposal to include mental health education in schools. Here is his reply...


 "Dear Mr Fernando
Thank you for your suggestion to introduce mental health education in schools. It is helpful feedback as we continue to strengthen our current mental health education efforts.
MOE’s mental health education efforts include teaching students the social and emotional skills to handle the demands they face in their daily life, as part... of the curriculum. They learn to understand common mental health conditions and how to take helpful actions. Teachers and students are also taught to identify signs of distress among the students, and be supportive.

We will continue to strengthen our efforts to raise awareness, reduce stigma and provide mental health support to our students. We appreciate the support of parents and members of the community like yourself in this important area of work."


Ong Ye Kung
Minister for Education