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7 Ways To Support A Loved One: Joy’s Story
Editor’s Note: This is a a story on caregiving. Caregivers are an often neglected group when we talk about mental health care. It’s never easy looking after someone we love who has a serious illness. It can take its toll on our own mental and physical health. Therefore, we are so grateful to have “Joy”…
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An Interview with Xun An, author of “The Black Box”
Editor’s Note: I absolutely enjoyed meeting Xun An. He’s a good-natured guy that enjoys a lame joke or two, but at the same time has a deep philosophical side to him. Introspective, authentic and wise beyond his years. Featuring him in this interview is an absolute joy and privilege. I’m inspired by his story on how he chose to make the…
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The Black Box: Book Review
Title: The Black Box Author(s): Chia Xun An Publisher: Self-published Year of Publication: 2014 Image Source: Amazon.com Reviewed by: Rachel T. Related Topics: Depression, Mental Health, Treatment, Self Care, Picture Book, Cartoon
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‘D’ is for Dignity in Depression
By Nicole K. // Warning: This isn’t the usual positive, upbeat sort of article I would normally write. But I think when it comes to talking about dignity, I need to reveal some of the things I’ve personally been through that exemplify the opposite of it. This might be triggering for some people, hence reader discretion is…
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The Fear of Stigmatization: Sylvester’s Story
Editor’s Note: In this story, Sylvester shares his innermost thoughts on seeking help and treatment for depression, and touches on low self-esteem which has plagued him most of his young life. Previously not understanding the nature of depression, he talks about stigma and recognises the harmful effects of stereotyping. He no longer judges people with mental health struggles today,…
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Coping with Low Energy
Recovery is a full-time gig, complete with victorious highs and crushing lows. And so, going public with my depression does not mean my life is now full of rainbows and sunshine (I do wish!) It also does not mean that I have “recover-ed”, but am “recover-ing”. These past months were a good reminder that I…
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Project Dawn: An Event Story
Editor’s Note: It was many months ago when I met Wei Lun and his team. They got in touch with us, wanting to understand more about mental illness in Singapore. It never ceases to amaze me how open and teachable these young people are. Despite initially not having the vocabulary to articulate their concerns, I could see how genuine and…
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Express!on: An Event Story
Editor’s Note: We often lend a hand to student projects because we wholeheartedly support young people and their passion for helping others, particularly when it comes to mental health. Read on to find out what’s happening at Ngee Ann Polytechnic from 3-4 August!
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Calming The Storm: Angeline’s Story
Editor’s Note: Angeline shares what it was like going through panic attacks and anxiety disorder. It made going to work and travelling impossible at one point, but today, she is gainfully employed and has made leaps and bounds in her recovery. We are extremely proud of her for actively seeking out help, and for being so…
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Behind the Hotline: Jay’s Story
Have you thought about seeking help at a counselling centre? Ever wondered whom you’d be speaking with on the other end of the line? Meet Jay, the Intake Officer at Eagles Mediation & Counselling Centre (EMCC). We had a chance to interview her and found out what it’s like to handle daily enquiries at a counselling…
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Book Review: Five Little White Pills
Five Little White Pills by Choo Kah Ying Five Little White Pills is a beautifully written book by Choo Kai Ying. In it, she describes in detail her struggles with bipolar disorder, which she refers to as manic depression (MD). The first half of the book begins with her university life as an undergraduate in…
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Beauty in the Broken: S. Lim’s Story
Editor’s Note: When I read this story, I was very moved by its simplicity and honesty. Our contributor eloquently describes her lifelong struggle with persistent sadness, and the factors (nature + nurture) that contributed to seasons of ‘heaviness’. It is my honour to share this beautiful story by S. Lim. Indeed, there is beauty in our…
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Book Review: Caught In The Storm–Knowing And Acting When Teens Need Help
by Mel Cheang and Dr Lim Yun Chin Caught in the Storm is a collection of stories about various mental health problems that teens face. They range from issues such as depression and eating disorders, to cutting and suicide. It is a rather sobering read as one wades through the myriad of problems young people…
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EmbraceD: An Event Story
By Nicole K. // It was like a meeting of old friends. One thing that stood out was how the EmbraceD team had made me feel—in the truest sense of the word—embraced. Not for my depression or for the work I do, but accepted and welcomed as a person. I’m honoured that they chose to…
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The One About Relapse
By Nicole K. // First story for 2015! I apologise for being MIA in January. As those with depression and anxiety would know, December and January are the toughest months of the year because it is loaded with stressors mixed in with the merrymaking. Things have been a bit rougher than usual recently. After attending…