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Singapore marks World Mental Health Day
Posted: 10 October 2010 1639 hrs 
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SINGAPORE: The Health Promotion Board (HPB) launched
on Sunday the "Be Positive mental wellbeing" campaign in
conjunction with the World Mental Health Day.
Organisers of the campaign said they hoped to encourage Singapore
residents to think and act positively in their daily lives. They
added they hoped to reduce the stigma faced by mental health
patients.
HPB's Mental Health Education deputy director Sng Yan Ling said:
"We are not talking about an individual stigma, but with a better
understanding of mental health, and that inevitably if you fall
prey to mental illness, the important thing to do is to seek help
early".
A survey done in 2004 showed one in six Singaporean adults would
develop some form of mental illness.
"It still remains a problem, because it is inevitably an illness, a
problem that has to be dealt with and consequences of people's
lives. But at the same time, it could also mean that people are
more aware now," Ms Sng said.
The aim of World Mental Health day is to raise public awareness and
understanding on mental health issues.
In Singapore, a series of events has been organised, including
weekend festivities at Marina Square, and a Via Ferrata Challenge
at Orchard Central.
Via Ferrata is a traditional European mountaineering activity which
started in Italy.
Earlier on Sunday, MP for Marine Parade GRC Seah Kian Peng launched
the Great Via Ferrata Challenge 2010 at Orchard Central, which saw
some 40 finalists scaling the 30m indoor climbing facility.
Orchard Central, organisers of the Via Ferrata Challenge, donated
$10 for every successful climb, to the Silver Ribbon Singapore,
which supports the promotion of mental health literacy.
-CNA/wk <!-- Zone Tag : Channel News asia In Text
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