Desmond Choo: 9% of pre-enlistees, 11% of NSFs sought mental health help in 2024
Nine per cent of pre-enlistees were found to have mental health issues, while 11 per cent of full-time national servicemen (NSFs) sought help in 2024, Minister of State for Defence Desmond Choo said in Parliament. He noted that the figures show a gradual upward trend similar to national youth mental health trends.
- 9% of pre-enlistees and 11% of NSFs sought mental health help in 2024, reflecting national youth mental health patterns.
- SAF’s pre-enlistment medical checks already include psychological assessments, with deferrals for those at risk.
- Ongoing monitoring, peer support training, and commander guidance are in place to help servicemen facing mental health challenges.
SINGAPORE: Nine per cent of pre-enlistees were found to have mental health issues, while 11 per cent of full-time national servicemen (NSFs) sought help for such conditions in 2024, Minister of State for Defence Desmond Choo told Parliament on 4 November 2025.
Responding to a question from Mountbatten SMC MP Gho Sze Kee, Choo said the figures have shown a gradual increase over the years, reflecting national youth mental health trends.
“This is similar to national trends among young people, and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will continue to work closely with families and relevant agencies to support the mental health and well-being of our servicemen,” he said.
A 2024 parliamentary reply noted that the proportion of pre-enlistees identified with mental health issues rose from 6 per cent in 2019 to 11 per cent in 2023, with most cases being mild to moderate.
Pre-enlistment psychological screening in place
Gho also raised concerns about a recent suicide attempt by a 23-year-old police NSF who was found with a gunshot wound to his neck at 328 Pasir Panjang Road on 15 October.
She asked whether psychological screening should be expanded for all pre-enlistees.
Choo clarified that pre-enlistment medical checks already include psychological assessments.
“Those assessed to pose a danger to themselves or others will be deferred from national service until their condition improves,” he said.
The evaluations are conducted by in-house psychiatrists, guided by the SAF Psychiatry Specialist Advisory Board, which includes medical experts from public hospitals.
For NSFs deemed fit to serve but facing mental health challenges, the SAF provides ongoing monitoring and peer support systems.
Recruits receive psychological first aid training, while commanders are trained to identify and assist those in distress.
The Home Team also has comparable structures for its officers.
Mental well-being helplines
- IMH Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
- Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 / WhatsApp 9151-1767 (24 hours)
- Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
- Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
- Tinkle Friend (for children): 1800-274-4788
- CHAT (Youth Mental Health): 6493-6500 / 6501
- AWARE Women’s Helpline: 1800-777-5555 (Weekdays, 10am–6pm)
