Mental health hotlines in Singapore
Being positive 100% of the time can be tiring. Some days are harder than others and it’s only natural to feel down. On days like these, it’s alright to feel defeated and reach out for support. After all, none of us have all the answers in trying to figure out life together.
Be rest assured that there is no weakness in asking for help. It is the first step in addressing that you are lost and you just need a little direction to head to where you want to go. If you’re looking for support today, here are nine mental health hotlines if you need to talk to someone right now.
1. National CARE Hotline – Set up specifically to offer support during Covid-19
Image credit: MSF Singapore
In response to an increase in the number of people facing anxiety caused by Covid-19, the Ministry of Social and Family Development set up the National CARE Hotline. Manned by a pool of psychologists, counsellors and social workers, the hotline is open to anyone who may be facing troubles, such as the loss of jobs or a cut in income due to the pandemic.
The hotline isn’t just for emotional support but for anyone troubled psychologically by Covid-19. Practical support is offered too, such as who to turn to for financial assistance and services for career coaching for those who have recently lost their jobs.
Operating hours: 8AM-12AM, Daily
Telephone: 1800 202 6868
2. Samaritans of Singapore – Text messaging service for those anxious about calling
Image adapted from: SOS
For the many of us who grew up pinging our friends on MSN and racking up phone bills through texting, picking up the phone to call a helpline may not seem like a natural thing to do. But with Samaritans of Singapore’s (SOS) Care Text, those in distress can send a message to talk to someone instead.
Based on Facebook Messenger, Care Text has trained volunteers on standby to provide emotional support from 6PM to 6AM, Monday to Thursday, and 6PM to 11.59PM on Fridays.
Round the clock help from SOS is available through their 24-hour hotline at 1-767.
Start texting Samaritans of Singapore here
3. Wysa – 24/7 chatbot to pour out your feelings
Image adapted from: Wysa
If you just need to vent for a while and no one else is around, turn to Wysa, the friendly penguin chatbot that is available 24/7. The emotionally intelligent penguin creates a non-judgmental space that allows users to share whatever is on their mind. Wysa then shares advice and positive reinforcement based on your answers given.
The penguin checks in daily too, to make sure you’re coping well. If it senses something is amiss, Wysa will prompt you to speak to a therapist if need be. Otherwise, use the available meditation and breathing exercises to alleviate stress.
Download Wysa for smartphones here
4. CARA Unmask – Speak to online volunteers with total anonymity
Image adapted from: CARA Unmask
Spilling your deepest darkest anxieties can be terrifying when you’re afraid of being judged. But with CARA Unmask, users can chat anonymously with CARA Friends, befrienders who will actively listen to how you feel. While they are not trained to give therapy or medical advice, the app does provide a list of therapists you can chat with for free for 48 hours. If you’re happy with their service, there are subscription options for in-person or online therapy.
Seek comfort in knowing that you’re never alone when it comes to dealing with mental health issues with the CARA Community tab. You can post questions and whatever else is bugging you on the bulletin board, and encourage others by responding to their posts as well.
Download CARA Unmask for iOS and Android
5. Silver Ribbon (Singapore) – Complimentary online emotional support
Image credit: Silver Ribbon (Singapore)
Known for their work in growing awareness in destigmatising mental health issues, Silver Ribbon (Singapore) is offering free online emotional support during the pandemic. Set up an appointment with their trained professionals if you’ve been affected by the state of things caused by Covid-19.
Apart from this service, Silver Ribbon (Singapore) also hosts regular mental health awareness talks online discussing issues faced by various groups of people – Generation Zers, parents, and more.
Operating hours: 9AM-5PM, Mon – Fri
Telephone: 6386 1928 | 6509 0271
Silver Ribbon (Singapore) website
6. Fei Yue Online Counselling Service – One-on-one instant messaging with professional counsellor
What started out as an instant messaging platform for young people seeking counselling is now open to all Singaporeans following the rise in the number of those mentally affected by Covid-19. eC2 by Fei Yue Counselling is an e-Counselling Centre that creates a safe space to speak to a trained counsellor where you are.
There is a quick chat function for those new to the system and are looking to connect with a counsellor. Once a counsellor has been assigned to you, you can schedule an appointment with your counsellor, drop them a note, and chat with them all on the eC2 platform.
Operating hours: 10AM-12PM, 2PM-5PM, Mon – Fri
7. CPH Online Counselling – Live chat for family-related issues
Image credit: CPH Online Counselling
The Covid-19 situation hasn’t just taken a toll on individuals, it has affected families as well. Whether it be marital or parenting difficulties and even divorce, families can turn to CPH Online Counselling for help in working through such issues. The team of counsellors here are qualified psychologists with expertise in such family-related matters.
The free service is provided for by Community Psychology Hub and the Ministry of Social and Family Development. There are three ways to receive counselling through CPH Online Counselling: via live chat, over email and over the phone, depending on which you are more comfortable with.
Operating hours: 9AM-6PM, Mon – Fri (Closed on Public Holidays)
CPH Online Counselling website
8. Oogachaga – Whatsapp and online counselling support for LGBTQ+ community
Dealing with your sexual identity is not an easy thing to go through if you do not have a supportive community around you. Oogachaga wants to be that community for persons who identify themselves as LGBTQ+ in Singapore.
Their Whatsapp counselling service is the only dedicated hotline for the LGBTQ+ community in Singapore. The confidential service isn’t just for those struggling with their sexual identity, but for family members, spouses and friends facing issues with LGBTQ+ persons in their lives as well.
Operating hours: 7PM-10PM, Tue – Thu | 2PM-5PM, Sat
Whatsapp: 8592 0609
9. webCHAT – Text-based chat with with follow-up
Admitting you need help is the first step, but what to do next can be another problem altogether. At webCHAT, mental health professionals aren’t just there to provide momentary emotional support – they want to make sure your well-being is taken care of in the long run. The Community Health Assessment Team (CHAT) is a resource centre for young people with mental health concerns, and webCHAT is one of the services it is providing to youths while everyone is staying home.
Through text messages, share your concerns with your assigned counsellor who will then give recommendations based on the goals you’re seeking regarding your mental health. This could be a sharing of support services, direct referrals (with consent), or a mental health check to better understand your situation. For those concerned with needing parental consent, CHAT’s personalised mental health check is held confidentially for those between 16 and 30 years old.
Operating hours: 1PM-8PM, Tue – Sat (Closed on Public Holidays)
Taking that first step to better mental health with mental health hotlines
Give yourself a pat on the back for acknowledging that you need help. Progress is eminent now that you know where to turn to in times of trouble. We wish you all the best in improving your mental health.
Read more on mental health:
- Guide to getting therapy in Singapore
- Netflix movies & shows about mental health
- Practical tips to keep your mental health in a good place
Illustrations: Charlotte Lee
