Well-Being Champions Network

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Mental Health Conversations That Don’t Start With Feelings

Not everyone is comfortable talking about emotions — and that’s okay.

In many Singapore workplaces, mental health conversations are more effective when they start with function, not feelings.

Practical Entry Points

Instead of asking, “How are you feeling?”, conversations can begin with:

  • “How’s your energy been lately?”
  • “Is the workload manageable right now?”
  • “Anything making your day harder than usual?”

These questions feel safer, especially for individuals who value privacy or practicality.

Respecting Different Comfort Levels

Mental well-being does not require emotional disclosure. Supporting someone may simply mean adjusting deadlines, clarifying priorities, or reducing friction.

By widening how mental health conversations look, workplaces become more inclusive.

Broadening how mental health conversations begin allows more people to participate without discomfort. By focusing on practical experiences rather than emotional disclosure, workplaces reduce barriers to support and increase inclusion. This flexibility helps mental well-being conversations feel normal, respectful, and relevant across diverse working styles and cultural contexts.