SGMHM survey: Most Singaporeans would see a GP for mental health. Nearly half don't trust them to help
- May 17
- 2 min read
The article from The Online Citizen discusses the findings of a 2026 public consultation survey conducted by the community-led group SG Mental Health Matters (SGMHM). The survey evaluated the public's experience with Singapore’s National Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy and revealed a notable disconnect between public willingness to seek help and their trust in primary healthcare providers.
Here is a summary of the key findings outlined in the article:
1. The Trust Gap with General Practitioners (GPs)
High Willingness, Low Trust: While 65% to 68% of respondents expressed willingness to seek mental health support at a polyclinic or a GP, only 57.1% actually trusted GPs to provide appropriate care.
Tension with Policy: This trust gap presents a challenge to the government’s Healthier SG initiative, which heavily relies on family physicians and primary care networks to act as the frontline for early mental health intervention and community-based treatment.
2. Low Public Awareness of National Initiatives
The survey revealed that public recognition of official mental health strategies, platforms, and campaigns remains shallow:
The Strategy & Office: Only 47.4% of respondents were aware of the National Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy itself (the lowest-scoring item), and only 53% recognized the National Mental Health Office established in 2024.
Digital Platforms: MindSG—the government’s flagship mental health portal—was recognized by just 39.8% of participants, barely edging out the 38.7% of respondents who were completely unaware of any digital mental health platforms.
Anti-Stigma Campaigns: Despite being relaunched in 2022, the Beyond the Label campaign was recognized by only 15.2% of respondents. In contrast, World Mental Health Day (which requires no local campaign framework) saw a 53.9% awareness rate.
3. Informal Spaces vs. Institutional Channels
Shifting Attitudes: Overall attitudes toward mental health are improving, with 73.1% of respondents reporting reduced negativity toward people facing mental health challenges.
Where Conversations Happen: When asked where more open discussions are taking place, social media led at 18.2%, followed by organic societal shifts (15.1%) and workplaces (12%).
Institutional Lag: Formal institutional channels (including government campaigns, traditional media, professional helplines, and digital health platforms) collectively accounted for just 15.4% of responses. This suggests that emerging openness is being driven primarily by informal, peer-led spaces rather than the formal settings where policies are implemented.
4. Community Initiatives vs. Passive Campaigns
The Power of Active Participation: The survey highlighted that passive exposure to anti-stigma campaigns had a limited impact—only 57.7% of those who recognized a campaign said it changed how they thought about mental health.
Practical Impact: On the other hand, individuals who directly participated in localized community wellbeing initiatives reported far better outcomes: 72% to 75% found them contextually relevant, and 73.9% walked away with practical, real-life applications.
Conclusion
The SGMHM survey indicates that while Singaporeans are increasingly open to discussing mental health and willing to access primary care, the infrastructure’s reach remains uneven. To close the gap, everyday mental health literacy needs to be deepened within local communities, and trust in frontline GPs must be strengthened to successfully support the national strategy.
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