Tag: family

  • ‘D’ is for Dignity in Depression

    ‘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

    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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  • The Process of Overcoming: Xicius’ Story

    The Process of Overcoming: Xicius’ Story

    Editor’s Note: Words wield the power to hurt, or to heal and bring hope. To Xicius, names are no different. In his story, he shares his experiences with early psychosis, counselling, and medication. His story also highlights that recovery isn’t just about positive thinking or leading an active lifestyle, but that it takes a combination of acceptance, faith, support, self-awareness, and…

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  • Book Review: Why? When Both My Parents Took Their Lives

    By Yin   This book is not explicitly about mental illness but is on a topic closely related–suicide. It therefore is not about the attempted suicide of someone suffering from depression. Rather, it is about a woman whose father committed suicide when his life as an invalid became too painful to endure.

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  • Calming The Storm: Angeline’s Story

    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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  • Book Review: Five Little White Pills

    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

    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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  • EmbraceD: An Event Story

    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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  • Lending Hope: Justina’s Story

    Lending Hope: Justina’s Story

    By Justina // Once, during a rough patch when I felt utterly hopeless, I quoted Elosie Cole’s poem “Borrowed Hope” in a session with my psychiatrist: “Lend me your hope for awhile. A time will come when I will heal, And I will lend my renewed hope to others.” He told me that recovery looks…

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  • Empowering Caregivers

    Empowering Caregivers

    Editor’s Note: Mental illness is never a personal affair. It affects entire communities, with our nearest and dearest bearing the brunt of responsibility in looking after loved ones undergoing illness and distress. It is therefore vital for caregivers to find support, as they often neglect their own needs, resulting in burnout, poor health, frustration and even depression. As a…

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  • Making The Best of My Life: Sam’s Story

    Making The Best of My Life: Sam’s Story

    Editor’s Note: Our social interactions and significant relationships can contribute to our sense of self and self-worth.  In Sam’s story, she shares what led to her suicide attempt and how she found peace today through owning her personal coping methods. Her story also highlights the need for mental health professionals to be more sensitive and empathetic, and to treat…

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  • Of Praise And Platitudes

    Of Praise And Platitudes

    By Nicole K. // Socialising has always been a challenge for me. The past four weeks have been remarkably intense due to unavoidable, non-standard gatherings with family and friends, on top of my ad hoc work meetings, and Tapestry related discussions. To say that my stamina for social gatherings has been stretched to its limits…

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  • Depression Is Like A Vulture: Natalie’s Story

    Depression Is Like A Vulture: Natalie’s Story

    Editor’s Note: Our reader, Natalie, shares her struggle with depression and self-harm. Her story reveals that external circumstances at home or at work can potentially become triggers for depressive episodes. It is, therefore, important to equip oneself with effective coping strategies, such as self-encouragement, awareness, and reframing of negative thoughts. We’re proud of you Natalie,…

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  • Down, Down and Up: Erica’s Story

    Down, Down and Up: Erica’s Story

    Editor’s Note: Work stress can affect us more than we realise, and it can be especially difficult to cope with after a vacation or festive holiday. Our reader, Erica, shares her story on how work stress, along with family and financial struggles, had led to her first episode of depression and self-harm. Self-harm is a…

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  • 7 Ways to Surviving Festive Gatherings

    7 Ways to Surviving Festive Gatherings

    By Nicole K. // “I struggle with small talk. I feel that people are judging me for not speaking, and when I do, it’s like they’re judging me based on what I had just said. I wish I didn’t have to go for the family reunions, but I’m obligated to.” – Tapestry reader. Festive occasions…

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