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An Open Letter to My Toughest Life Instructor: Florence’s Story
Florence writes a letter to Erin, a personification of the schizophrenia that came into her life. She movingly explores both the catastrophic effect of the condition on her, and ultimately how she learned about herself through the experiences that she went through and reached a place of peace.
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Overcoming Postpartum Depression: Agatha’s Story
Agatha reflects on the sudden onset of postpartum depression following her first child’s birth, sharing her challenges and her path towards healing.
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A Journey to Self-Compassion: Felicity’s Story
Healing from sexual abuse in childhood can be a long journey. Felicia shares her courageous movement towards knowledge, self-compassion, and strength.
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Anticipating Grief: Amanda’s Story
We often think of grief as something to do with death. But there is another type of grief that is far more common yet rarely talked about.
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Unpacking from Pain
Empathy is a powerful heart tool and the new relationships I’ve made are very precious. I learn everyday about empowerment and try to help my peers let go of shame, remember who they are, without and despite their illness, and walk their paths of recovery.
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New Year, New You: Rachel’s Story
“I have come to accept that perfection is not an achievable goal and that it is our imperfections that make us special. That is not to say that we shouldn’t improve and reflect on our lives from time to time. I believe that ‘new year, new me’ does not ask for the complete reinvention of…
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A Letter to my Younger Self
By Shannon // Dear Shannon, It’s been more than five years since your first panic attack. During this turbulent time, you have experienced your fair share of ups and downs, and here are four lessons I wish you had learnt earlier. It is totally fine to feel depressed, anxious, sad, or angry. These are normal…
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It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over
By Jeremy L. // *Content warning: this story mentions self-harm, suicide and suicidal ideation. If you’re in need of support, please get help here.* Many people knew me as strong, hardworking and determined. Until everything changed in late October 2018. It started with having difficulties falling asleep, to having negative thoughts and suicidal ideations, to…
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F.E.A.R.: Face Everyone And Recover – Thomas’ Story
By Thomas K. // The first ever emotion I remember at four was fear. I came from a dysfunctional family, and my father was physically abusive since I was young. I was unable to attend school regularly due to daily beatings. Even if I did go to school, I had no pocket money or school…
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The Struggle for Self-Compassion: Karen’s Story
By Karen Zainal // A few months ago, I turned 29. I’m embarrassed to admit that it bothered me a great deal. If you’re older than I am, I forgive you for rolling your eyes. As for those of you around my age, I hear your nervous chuckle! We often hear the assertion that age…
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Holding On: Nadera’s Story
“Especially now, when there might not be anyone around physically to affirm you, you have to pat yourself on the back for every step you take in the positive direction and ignore the demons that tell you that what you are doing is not enough.”
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I Am More Than ‘Okay’: Michelle’s Story
By Michelle L. // It started when I was 15. I remembered feeling like there was something eating away at my very core, and that I was always crying and nauseous. After two years of skipping school and isolating myself, I was diagnosed with major depression. I was relieved that, finally, there was help. However,…
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When Illness is a Stepping Stone Towards Positive Experiences: Kurtle’s Story
By Kurtle // I used to cope with my troubles by self-harming. I have been self-harming since my teens when I was studying in Junior College. I later pursued my studies in Melbourne, where I fell ill. Hence, part of my recovery story happened in Melbourne, Australia, and then in Singapore, where I decided to come…
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My Fight With Depression: Kenneth’s Story
By Kenneth // On 27 Feb 2018, I attempted suicide. Back in Aug 2017, I joined a new company after spending four wonderful years at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH). In the nation’s flagship hospital, I was given numerous opportunities to work with some of the brightest healthcare professionals, administrators and IT engineers in the…
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Depression Lies: Vivien’s Story
By Vivien Y. // Depression is a bad friend. The kind that sticks around and pours poison in your ear. It follows me to work meetings, Friday nights with friends, back home in bed and most recently, it followed me to a gig. You see I’m a singer-songwriter, and sometimes I get asked to perform…