Singapore experts advise on how public transport commuters should deal with mental-health situations
After a recent case of a commuter trying to force open a train door, how can commuters show compassionate support for those in distress?
SINGAPORE — A recent incident involving a commuter's attempt to forcibly open a train door in Singapore has ignited a pressing conversation surrounding mental health challenges.
In response to inquiries from Yahoo Southeast Asia on Monday (4 December), SMRT Trains president Lam Sheau Kai acknowledged that "there are several videos circulating on social media showing the same commuter attempting to pry open a train door."
The incident, which garnered significant attention after the videos surfaced online, prompted concerns about the well-being of individuals navigating public transit. It has also triggered discussions on social media platforms such as Reddit on how commuters can effectively address and navigate such distressing situations occurring within the confines of public transit systems.
Unraveling the incident of a commuter's disturbing actions
Detailing the recent occurrence, Lam noted that SMRT station staff received an alert around 1pm on 29 November regarding a male commuter in a dress who was deliberately attempting to force open a train door as it was about to depart.
"This action endangers the safety of the commuter as well as others on the train," he stressed.
Upon entering the train to investigate the situation, station staff encountered resistance from the commuter, who was "uncooperative and turned aggressive". Despite attempts to advise the commuter to leave the train so that others could continue their journey, the commuter persisted in resisting.
As a result, SMRT activated the Singapore police's Public Transport Security Command (TransCom) unit to intervene, and is assisting them in investigations.
Shin Min Daily News reported on Monday that the passenger, who identifies as a woman, was receiving treatment at the Institute of Mental Health but declined to share medical records.
Can understanding stress triggers help ease mental health crises?
Suzy, a 27-year-old commuter from Jurong East to Orchard for work, shared her concerns about the prospect of witnessing someone trying to force open a train door.
"Frankly, I'd feel quite lost in handling such a situation. My aim wouldn't be to agitate the person, but these moments are stressful for everyone – bystanders, train staff, and particularly the person in distress."
Dr Sunita Rai, a clinical psychologist at the Holistic Psychotherapy Centre, emphasised the importance of recognising triggers that heighten stress in crowded public settings. Noise, overcrowding, and a perceived lack of control can intensify stress responses, particularly in individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions.
Dr Rai likened these stressors to a glass already filled to the brim, wherein the addition of crowded or noisy settings could lead to disruptive behaviours. She also emphasised the psychological toll of confined spaces on individuals experiencing mental health crises.
"They may feel trapped or overwhelmed, akin to an animal cornered in a cage. The lack of escape routes, the close proximity of strangers, and the sensory overload (noise, confined space) can intensify feelings of anxiety or panic, influencing their behaviour unpredictable," she explained.
Dr Rai recommended employing validation and reflective listening techniques to navigate such challenging situations.
"It involves actively listening to the individual without interrupting, reflecting back what they say, and validating their feelings by identifying and naming the emotion. This approach can be likened to gently steering a boat back to calm waters from turbulent waves," she elaborated, stressing the importance of creating a supportive and empathetic environment.
Mental health challenges in public transit
Dr Annabelle Chow, principal clinical psychologist at Annabelle Psychology emphasised how factors such as crowded trains during peak hours or various sounds within the train can also overwhelm individuals dealing with sensory processing disorders, anxiety, or panic attacks.
"Navigating our train or bus system can be a struggle for some commuters. The process of finding the gantry, tapping in with the right card, locating the platform and taking the right train to their destination may not be an easy process. Waiting times for transport to arrive may increase distress for some," Dr Chow said.
She also elaborated that there are other triggers which could be unrelated to the transport environment - for example, things that happened earlier in the day, or anticipation for something that could be coming up for them.
"Individuals may find it difficult to cope with their frustration or distress. This difficulty to regulate their emotions, coupled with difficulties communicating their distress, may lead them to behave in ways that are deemed inappropriate by people around them," she said.
Strategies for compassionate support
Dr Chow stressed effective communication strategies for bystanders or transit staff in managing these scenarios. "Take note of your tone, refrain from making assumptions, and acknowledge their emotions and suffering regardless whether or not it may make sense to you," she advised.
She further recommended active, non-judgmental listening, employing a soft and calm tone, offering choices or alternatives, and maintaining respectful non-verbal cues, such as nodding or appropriate eye contact.
Drawing parallels between managing mental health-related incidents in public transit and de-escalation procedures used for aggression towards bus captains, Dr Chow also emphasised the importance of reporting incidents and creating distance to prevent escalation.
By fostering awareness and cultivating a culture of empathy, communities can create safer, more inclusive spaces for individuals experiencing mental health challenges in public settings, according to both experts.
5 things to consider when responding to mental health crises in public transit:
Practice empathy and active listening: When encountering someone experiencing a mental health crisis in public, maintain a calm and empathetic demeanour. Listen without interrupting, and acknowledge their emotions to create a supportive environment.
Avoid making assumptions: Refrain from assuming the reasons behind the individual's distress. Instead, focus on understanding their feelings by letting them express themselves without judgment.
Maintain a soft and calm tone: In situations where emotions might be heightened, keep your tone soft and gentle. Avoid raising your voice, as it could escalate the situation further.
Respect personal space: Stand at a distance to respect the individual's personal space. This gesture conveys understanding and avoids making them feel threatened or cornered.
Seek assistance and report incidents: If the situation escalates or poses a risk, seek help from transit staff or emergency services. Reporting the incident can facilitate appropriate actions to ensure the safety for everyone involved.
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