Ng Ling Ling on advancing mental health

Caregivers of people with mental illnesses need more support, especially at the onset and when the conditions are recurring and chronic, said MP Ng Ling Ling in Parliament on Tuesday (Feb 6). She asked that the Government do more research into these needs and develop strategies for support. One suggestion she made is to contextualise the national mental health competency training framework for practitioners to family caregivers as well. Ms Ng also called for greater accessibility and affordability of mental health treatment in primary and community settings, particularly for individuals requiring both medication and counselling therapy. Finally, she said people with mental health conditions must be given more support in the workplace. She proposed leveraging the tripartite relationship between Government, employers and unions to work with mental health professionals to promote a better understanding of mental health conditions and create placement and support plans to integrate and sustain those with such conditions in employment for as long as possible.