As mental health concerns surge across Singapore, Channel NewsAsia reports that experts are turning attention to emotional first aid — a simple yet effective way to manage distress before professional help becomes available.
According to counselling psychologist Karen Ho, emotional first aid focuses on helping individuals regulate their emotions rather than solving underlying problems. Techniques such as breathwork, tapping, and journalling can calm the mind and help people think more clearly during moments of overwhelm. Ms Ho, who has personally used these methods while balancing work, studies, and family life, said they allow her to “refocus and respond instead of feeling frozen.”
Family counselling psychologist Adrian Lim explained that controlled breathing—such as box breathing, where one inhales, holds, exhales, and pauses for four counts each—has been scientifically shown to reduce heart rate and blood pressure. Virtual reality and biofeedback tools are also being explored to teach people how to self-regulate their stress responses.
However, experts including Dr Matthew Lim from NUS and Dr Geraldine Tan, principal psychologist at The Therapy Room, cautioned that emotional first aid does not replace therapy. Like physical first aid, it offers immediate relief but should be followed by professional care. They emphasised that supporters must be aware of their own emotional capacity before helping others, ensuring their “cup isn’t already full.”
Dr Tan added that emotional first aiders should focus on de-escalating distress, not solving every issue. Once stability is achieved, connecting the person to a psychologist or psychiatrist is key. “If someone breaks down in front of you, you don’t run away—you stay calm and present,” she said, describing emotional first aid as an essential life skill that promotes empathy and readiness in crisis.
With clinics reporting up to a 40 per cent increase in new mental health clients and the Ministry of Health seeing an 80 per cent jump in visits to its Mindline platform, emotional first aid is being recognised as a vital early response tool in Singapore’s growing effort to strengthen community mental health resilience.
Original Article Link: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/emotional-first-aid-viable-response-mental-distress-5397866
Where to get help:
National mental health helpline: 1771
Samaritans of Singapore Hotline: 1767
Singapore Association for Mental Health Helpline: 1800 283 7019
You can also find a list of international helplines here. If someone you know is at immediate risk, call 24-hour emergency medical services.
