Burnout help in Singapore
If you are in Singapore and feel burnt out, overwhelmed or low, help is available — much of it free and confidential, some of it 24 hours a day.
If you need to talk now
| Service | Contact | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency (immediate danger) | 995, or go to the nearest A&E | 24 hours |
| Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) | Call 1767 · WhatsApp CareText 9151 1767 | 24 hours |
| National mindline 1771 | Call 1771 · WhatsApp 6669 1771 · webchat at mindline.sg | 24 hours |
| Institute of Mental Health (IMH) helpline | 6389 2222 | 24 hours |
Numbers checked against SOS, the Institute of Mental Health and Ministry of Education resource pages on 26 Oct 2026. Services can change; check the providers’ websites for the latest details.
Non-urgent support
- GP or polyclinic. A good first stop for ongoing exhaustion, sleep problems or low mood. A doctor can check for physical causes and refer you to mental health services.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Many employers offer free, confidential counselling. Ask HR — Singapore’s Tripartite Advisory on Mental Well-being at Workplaces encourages employers to provide one.
- Community mental health services. IMH’s resource list includes community intervention teams, counselling centres and family service centres; ComCare can help find a family service centre near you.
- Private psychologists and counsellors. Check professional registration and fees before booking.
Workplace support and your rights
- Tripartite Advisory on Mental Well-being at Workplaces (Ministry of Manpower, NTUC and SNEF): encourages employers to assess work stressors, provide EAPs, train managers, appoint mental well-being champions, offer flexible work and set reasonable after-hours communication expectations.
- Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests: in effect since 1 December 2024; employees can make formal requests, and employers should respond within two months.
- iWorkHealth: a free tool developed by Singapore agencies including the WSH Council, Ministry of Manpower, Health Promotion Board, Changi General Hospital and IMH, which helps organisations identify sources of workplace stress. Suggest it to HR if stress is a team-wide problem.
Helping someone else
If a colleague or friend seems burnt out, check in privately, listen without trying to fix everything, and encourage them to use the support above. If you are worried about their safety, stay with them if you can and contact SOS, mindline 1771 or emergency services.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free mental health hotline in Singapore?
Yes. Samaritans of Singapore (1767) and the national mindline 1771 are free and available 24 hours. The IMH helpline (6389 2222) also operates 24 hours.
Can I get medical leave for burnout in Singapore?
A doctor can issue a medical certificate if they assess that you are unfit for work. Burnout itself is not a diagnosis, so the doctor will assess your symptoms and health.
What is an EAP?
An Employee Assistance Programme is a confidential counselling service paid for by an employer. Ask HR whether yours offers one.
Please note: This is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Burnout shares symptoms with depression, anxiety and physical conditions such as thyroid problems or anaemia, so persistent symptoms deserve a check with a doctor. Full disclaimer.
Sources
- Samaritans of Singapore, 24-hour hotline 1767 and CareText 9151 1767
- Institute of Mental Health (CHAT), "Other mental health resources" (national mindline 1771, SOS and other services)
- Ministry of Education, "Useful helplines" (SOS, Institute of Mental Health and others)
- Ministry of Manpower, NTUC and SNEF, "Tripartite Advisory on Mental Well-being at Workplaces"
- Ministry of Manpower, "Flexible work arrangements" and the Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests (effective 1 Dec 2024)
- Changi General Hospital, "iWorkHealth" workplace stressor assessment tool