Over half see their mental health decline
Latest YouGov data examines what impact the global coronavirus pandemic has had on Singaporeans personally, looking at how this has affected their mental health, romantic relationships, family relationships and friendships.
While a lucky three in ten (30%) see no change to their romantic relationships, over one in ten (11%) say their relationships have become strained as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. A small percentage (3%) have seen their relationships end, however amongst younger Singaporeans (aged to 18 to 24) this number doubles (7%). The pandemic hasn’t been all bad news for romance though, two in ten (20%) say their relationships have become stronger, and almost one in twenty (4%) began a new relationship. The remaining quarter (24%) remained single this pandemic year, and 7% preferred not to say.
Relationships of the romantic kind are not the only one that has seen a strain. One in seven (14%) of Singaporeans say their relationship with their family has been strained since the outbreak. Men are more likely to see family relationships strain than women (17% vs. 11%). Over one in five (22%) attested to building a stronger relationship, and 8% have regained contact with family members. Those between the age of 18 and 34 are twice as likely to say their relationship with the family has gotten stronger, compared with those over 55 (25% vs. 17%).
When it comes to friendships, one in seven (14%) see their friendships strained, but amongst younger Singaporeans (18 to 24) this is far more likely (23%). Data shows that younger Singaporeans have had a hard time with friendships since the outbreak. While a small percentage (3%) have had their friendship end, this is twice as likely for those aged 18 to 24 (7%).
The pandemic has also affected Singaporeans mentally. Almost a quarter (23%) currently live with some form of mental health condition, the most common of which is an anxiety disorder (9%) and depression (7%). The pandemic has taken a toll on about half (54%) of Singaporeans mental health. Almost two in five (38%) say the pandemic has affected their mental health ‘slightly’ negatively, over one in ten (12%) say this has been ‘moderately’ negative and the remaining 4% say this has been ‘very’ negative. Three in ten (30%) see no changes to their mental health, and a small percentage (9%) say their mental health has changed for the better.
***Results based on 1,058 Singaporeans surveyed on YouGov Omnibus
