Dear Pilots,
As we mark World Mental Health Day on October 10, PAG would like to take this opportunity to share 3 news/links covering this event.
1) Mental health care for all: let's make it a reality
The World Health Organisation has declared that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on people’s mental health. However, there is a gap in care as stigma and discrimination associated with mental health conditions remain widespread.
The silver lining is, some of the most common conditions such as depression and anxiety, can be treated with talking therapies, medication, or a combination of these, when detected early.
Click below to find out more about WHO’s useful campaign materials. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2021/about
2) Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay among landmarks to be lit in blue for World Mental Health Day
More than 20 Singapore landmarks will be lit up in blue in October to promote mental health awareness.
The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) and IMH said: "By lighting up collectively in blue, we hope to shine a light on mental health issues and encourage those who are feeling blue to open up and have a conversation about their challenges”.
Check out the various virtual workshops, webinars and activities that focus on mental health, available in different languages and for various age groups. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/marina-bay-sands-gardens-by-the-bay-among-landmarks-to-be-lit-in-blue-for-world-mental
3) It’s OKAY – Take 5
When it comes to our mental health, we can all make an effort to ‘take 5’. Small acts of self-care, even a short 5-minute break in our daily lives can have a big impact on our well-being.
Collated by Mental Health Awareness Singapore, they have prepared a series of talks, workshops and activities till end October. A small step to join, a big step towards better self-care for you and your loved ones.
As pilots, we are generally perceived to be resilient, “gung-ho” and strong. We sometimes forget that we are also trained to recognise that we are not 24/7 invincible, and when approaching our mental limits, we can always seek a subject-matter-expert to help with our problems.
While we are mentally OK, our loved ones at different stages of our lives are facing their challenges too. It may be:
• your expecting wife who is showing signs of anxiety towards delivering the first born in the middle of the pandemic,
• Or perhaps, your children are returning to school after several changes or disruptions to their daily routines, hence the induced stress.
• Or your elderly parents who are isolated at home, hence limiting their mobility and social routines.
The challenges that they face may indirectly affect you, one way or another. There is a golden rule – You Are Not Alone. Talk to someone you trust and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
PAG is available 24/7, please feel free to text or call us at 9-2255-724 (9-CALL-PAG)
Take Care. Stay Safe.
Your Peer Supporters