SINGAPORE - In recent years, more young adults have reached out to an Institute of Mental Health (IMH) programme that helps youth with mental health issues, which experts attribute in part to a growing awareness of depression.

The "steady increase" in the number of mental health inquiries is partly due to "a growing acceptance of the importance of seeking help early for mental health concerns", says Ms Lee Yi Ping, a senior case manager at Community Health Assessment Team (Chat), an IMH initiative targeting those aged 16 to 30.