Duke-NUS Study: Peer Support May Encourage Adults With Anxiety or Depression to Seek Help

A study in Singapore indicates that a majority of adults living with anxiety or depression symptoms are receptive to peer support, despite often not seeking professional mental health care. The research, conducted by Duke-NUS Medical School in collaboration with institutions like the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), was published in the Singapore Medical Journal.

The findings suggest that peer support could serve as a vital supplement to existing healthcare systems, offering a community-based avenue that might encourage more individuals to seek assistance earlier. The study revealed that 77 percent of surveyed adults with anxiety or depression symptoms had not sought care from mental health professionals such as psychiatrists or psychologists.

Despite this reluctance towards formal help, 62 percent of respondents expressed willingness to receive support from peers who have similar backgrounds or lived experiences. This highlights the potential for informal, community-based support in addressing unmet mental health needs. Preferences indicated that 51 percent favored one-on-one peer support over group settings, with 43 percent preferring virtual interactions.

The data was derived from an online survey of 350 adults in Singapore. The study also identified factors influencing openness to peer support, finding that younger adults and those who had previously sought professional help were more receptive. Individuals in managerial roles also showed a higher propensity for informal care compared to those in non-managerial positions.

Assistant Professor Irene Teo from Duke-NUS, the study's first author, noted that fear of stigma can make professional care intimidating. Peer support's informal and relatable nature may lower these psychological barriers. Professor Eric Finkelstein added that mental health support is not one-size-fits-all, and peer support can be a crucial component of effective mental health care.