On 25-Jan-2025, we hosted an insightful session as part of our Conversation on Humanism series on Irreligiosity and Mental Health.

This engaging discussion explored the intersection of secular values and mental well-being, addressing key questions like: How does irreligiosity influence mental health, and how can we, as humanists, foster resilience and support?

Key Highlights

Understanding Humanism and Mental Health:

The session began with a broad exploration of humanism, emphasizing its values of compassion, reason, and community. Participants discussed how these principles shape mental well-being in secular contexts.

Insights from Mental Health Statistics and Research:

We delved into local mental health statistics, including findings from the Institute for Health Metrics and Sofia Wellness Clinic, highlighting the growing challenges faced by Singaporeans.

Studies on the relationship between religion and mental health, such as the Straits Times report, were discussed alongside the unique experiences of irreligious individuals.

Debunking Stereotypes:

There is a common misconception that irreligious individuals lack purpose or face higher rates of depression and suicide simply because they don’t adhere to a faith community. However, mental health is influenced by a variety of factors genetics, environment, social support, and personal life experiences rather than religious affiliation alone.

Irreligious people, like those with a religion, can find meaning in family, friendships, personal goals, or ethical and humanitarian values. This highlights that a lack of religious belief does not inherently lead to poor mental health; well-being is shaped by complex, multifaceted influences.

Interactive Activity:

An engaging session on values and coping mechanisms encouraged participants to reflect on their personal approaches to mental health and how their values shape their resilience.

A Humanist Approach

We discussed the “three-prong approach” to mental health which emphasises a holistic framework. It involves three key dimensions:

1. Psychological: Humanism and Mental Well-being

Focuses on fostering emotional resilience and self-awareness through reason, critical thinking, and evidence-based practices like journaling, mindfulness and therapy to build a supportive communities were shared as effective tools for maintaining mental well-being.

2. Existential: Building Meaning and Purpose

Humanists seek answers to life’s big questions—such as existence, morality, and the afterlife—through reason, critical thinking, and shared human experience rather than doctrine. They value personal growth, embracing evolving perspectives shaped by curiosity, compassion, and fairness.Meaning is often found in relationships, creativity, scientific exploration, and contributions to society. Whether through deep personal connections, artistic expression, activism, or altruism, humanists recognize that purpose is self-created and enriched by the positive impact we have on others and the world around us.

3. Social: Supportive Community

Providing a safe and inclusive spaces where irreligious individuals can openly share beliefs, experiences, and support. Rooted in empathy, reason, and respect for autonomy, these communities help combat isolation and foster a sense of belonging.Beyond social connections,  we should promote secular mental health initiatives, including access to non-religious therapists, peer support groups, and evidence-based well-being programs. By encouraging open dialogue and resilience, these efforts ensure that individuals can seek help and thrive without religious judgment.

The session concluded with an open discussion and a call to action, acknowledging that Compassion is at the heart of building strong, supportive secular and humanist communities. By fostering meaningful connections, we create inclusive spaces where individuals feel valued and understood. We encourage everyone to seek support when needed and extend kindness to those around them, reinforcing the humanist commitment to mutual care, empathy, and shared well-being.

A quote by Robert G. Ingersoll beautifully captured the essence of the evening: “Happiness is the only good. The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here.”

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for this meaningful conversation. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events, including the next session in the Conversation on Humanism Series!

29 Nov 2024

We hosted our very first Celebration of Life gathering, a heartfelt event dedicated to embracing life’s precious moments. This was a time to celebrate milestones, honor the inspiring legacies of others, and revel in the sheer joy of being alive. Together, we celebrated the birthdays of Yew Hwee Hong, Ashwini, and Lava, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with gratitude and camaraderie. The gathering was a meaningful pause to reflect on life’s beauty and the connections that make it so special. Here’s to many more such moments of shared happiness!

22 Dec 2024

To close out the year on a joyful note, we held our final Celebration of Life meetup, honoring the moments that make life extraordinary—birthdays, the memory of inspiring individuals, or simply the everyday joy of being alive. This time, it was a Mookata Night at Phuket Town Mookata in Ang Mo Kio on 22 Dec 2024, and it couldn’t have been more fun!

Great Food and Great Company
We indulged in a sizzling spread of delicious and reasonably priced Mookata, sharing laughs, stories, and the warmth of a close-knit community. New friends and familiar faces came together around the table, making it a truly memorable evening.

A Special Birthday Celebration
Amid the clinking of cutlery and lively banter, we also had the pleasure of celebrating NeoSree’s birthday, complete with a birthday cake. Everyone joined in with well-wishes, turning the night into a heartwarming blend of celebration and camaraderie.

It was the perfect way to wrap up the year, reflecting on life’s precious moments and cherishing them together. Here’s to many more meetups filled with shared meals, laughter, and collective gratitude for life’s gifts! 

And if you find yourself with no one to celebrate your birthday or achievements, don’t worry—reach out to us, and we’ll celebrate with you!

We recently embarked on a refreshing morning hike through the lush greenery of Kent Ridge Park and explored the iconic black-and-white bungalows of Alexandra Park. The day began with a gentle climb and panoramic city views, offering a glimpse into Singapore’s wartime past. Along the way, lively conversations flowed—true to the spirit of any Humanist event!

Here’s a lovely note we received from one of our participants:

“Thanks for leading such an enjoyable walk last Saturday, 7th December 2024. I appreciated the warm welcome from all those I walked with and talked to over brunch at the hawker market. It was a really interesting route and for a lover of vernacular architecture, the black-and-white bungalows were a real bonus!”

Strolling through Alexandra Park, we soaked in the unique colonial charm of these historic homes. By the end of the hike, everyone left with a deeper appreciation for Singapore’s green spaces and our architectural heritage—and, of course, plenty of happy memories and new connections.

If you missed out this time, don’t worry—more adventures await! We look forward to seeing you at our next event for more exploration, camaraderie, and the warm humanist spirit.

“There’s so much uncertainty in life,” said Dr Teja Celhar, a research scientist at A*STAR, at the end of the latest public lecture held by the Humanist Society Singapore (HSS) on Saturday (Sep 28). “Knowing how some parts of life works – that is comforting to me.”