Feeling ‘sian’ (Singlish for tired/bored/depressed), Singapore? You’re not alone. Life in our Little Red Dot can be stressful, and sometimes, all you want is a cigarette or a stiff drink. But what if you don’t drink or smoke? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some alternative ways to cope, gleaned straight from your fellow Singaporeans on Reddit.
Current Coping Mechanisms in SG
Singaporeans are finding various ways to navigate feelings of depression without resorting to alcohol or cigarettes. Many are turning to simple pleasures and healthy habits. It’s a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of Singaporeans in seeking alternatives.
- Spending time outdoors and enjoying music is a popular choice.
I go sit out in the sun and listen to some music. Kinda helps me recharge a little bit.
- Others find solace in basic activities like eating, sleeping, and reading.
We eat, sleep and read
- Some channel their energy into creative outlets or connect with loved ones. A significant number, however, simply endure the feeling.
The 2023 Singapore Mental Health Study showed that 1 in 7 Singaporeans has experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime. This highlights the importance of finding healthy coping mechanisms.
Challenges to Healthy Coping
It’s not always easy to adopt healthy coping mechanisms. The pressure to perform, the fast-paced environment, and the ‘kiasu’ (Singlish for fear of losing out) culture can make it difficult to prioritize mental well-being. Many feel stuck in a cycle of simply enduring their depression.
- The feeling of helplessness and the lack of immediate solutions can be frustrating.
Feel depressed while doing whatever they have to do.
- The pressure to appear strong and productive can prevent people from seeking help or exploring alternative coping strategies.
The misconception that depression is a ‘useless emotion’ can also be detrimental. As one Redditor sarcastically pointed out, telling someone to simply ‘choose not to be depressed’ is unhelpful and dismissive.
Actionable Solutions for Singaporeans
Thankfully, there are practical steps Singaporeans can take to manage their depression without relying on unhealthy habits. These solutions range from simple self-care practices to seeking professional help.
- Engage in physical activity, even if it’s just a short walk in the park.
Suffer/journal/eat …but now …run. Looking into healthier ways to cope/get my dopamine fix.
- Explore creative outlets like writing, drawing, or playing music.
Write music, draw, watch a movie, cook a good meal, spend time w friends/family, clean, go for a walk, play a collaborative video game online, go for a drive, prayer
- Connect with friends and family for support and companionship.
If you’re struggling, remember that help is available. Organizations like the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) offer counseling and support services. Don’t be ‘paiseh’ (Singlish for shy/embarrassed) to seek help!
