Families are urged to seek help early when they notice behavioural changes in loved ones.
St Giles Hospital acting superintendent Dr Sheetal Singh said many cases only reached the hospital when problems had escalated.
“Most of the time the family has their relatives or friends reaching out when it is a huge problem,” Dr Singh said.
She advised families to watch for subtle warning signs.
“If you are able to pick it up earlier with the change in the mood symptoms, with the change in the behaviour, the change in the way they present themselves in terms of their dressing, their attire, their ability to engage with relatives and neighbours — these are some things that we really need to look out for.”
She said families should first visit the nearest health facility.
“If you feel that they are presenting more sleep problems, low mood, and their appetite is reduced — their sleep patterns have changed — you need to go to the nearest health centre.”
She explained that not all symptoms were psychiatric.
“Sometimes it could be a medical condition alone causing all of that, not necessarily a mental health condition.”
Dr Singh said admission was not the first option.
