An empirical study on the mental well-being of people in Singapore revealed that about 1 in 8 Singaporeans would experience a mental health issue in their lifetime. That is an estimated 723,000 potential and existing people with mental health issues (PMHIs) for a population size of 5.8 million in 2018.

It could happen to anyone, in schools, at work and even in the family. More alarmingly, 2/3 of these individuals generally do not seek help for fear of being stigmatised by their peers and the public. 

Due to this stigma and discrimination, 7 in 10 people with mental health conditions are denied their economic, social and cultural rights. They live in vulnerable situations distanced by friends and family members. Fuelled by the lack of education about mental health conditions, stereotypes perpetuated through popular media, misperceptions of people in recovery as being dangerous, unpredictable and unreliable, collectively contributing to a reluctance to talk about this issue.

A new generation of change was needed; one that seeks to create a movement that will evolve how society thinks about mental health issues and the actions towards PMHIs. It is time for our society to move beyond the labels we placed on mental health conditions, and open our hearts and minds to finally see people with mental health conditions for who they indeed are, beyond their diagnosis.

BEYOND THE LABEL is our driver for change, to progress our nation towards a road of acceptance and inclusion for PMHIs so they can finally experience life with the same dignity just like the rest of us.

Let’s take a stand and unite against mental health stigma. 

Society has highly stereotypical views towards mental health conditions, and this is exacerbated by media reports that often link mental illness with violence or portray people with mental health conditions as dangerous, unstable individuals.

However, this is far from the truth. 

A social experiment was conducted to help Singaporeans recognise their deeply embedded prejudices and stereotypes towards people with mental health conditions.

The public was driven to end the stigma towards people with mental health conditions with the help of a simple truth – that it is time to go beyond the era of labels and move towards accepting PMHIs as ordinary people who happen to have a health condition.

Four ambassadors representing different facets of society and mental health conditions proudly articulate their quiet strength and resilience as a rallying symbol for the world to start a conversation around the stigma.

Through emotive recovery stories of people with mental health conditions, the public recognises the prejudices they encounter on a daily basis and the similarities of their life’s encounters.

Each ambassador’s story is told through a poignant voiceover of their road to recovery, juxtaposed against scenes depicting their strengths, and the support they have received from peers and loved ones, to help the public understand the importance of their role in the lives of these people. 

Four stories of resilience. One message of hope.

As a taboo topic shrouded in stigma, not everyone with mental health issues is willing to talk openly about it. Despite this, there are still advocates who stand for and support PMHIs. 

The #BEYONDTHELABEL pendant is an outward display of solidarity that serves as a reminder to society that support begins with a conversation around this issue.

For people with mental health conditions, it is a quiet reminder of the strength and courage displayed in their road to recovery. 

Discreet, gender-neutral and sophisticated, this unique pendant is designed for wearers to turn it into a bracelet or necklace with an accompanying braid or a pin for any occasion.