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Emotions are Rational
By Nicole K. // We are often under the impression that our heart and our mind are two separate entities. Warring opposites that constantly jostle for our attention — with “irrational” emotions on one end, and the “rational” mind at the other. As a result of this “one or the other” type of reasoning, this perceived polarity perpetuates a dichotomy that…
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How Mental Illness Lies
By Nicole K. // May is a special month for me (it also happens to be Mental Health Month) so I’ve decided to finally publish what took me 3 months to draft — my personal story on self-harm and suicide. It was a tough thing for me to relive, but I believe it’s important for others to understand how mental illness…
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Recovering Our Dreams: Kate’s Story
Editor’s Note: Recovering from mental illness is possible. Our reader, Kate, shares that it begins with facing our fears and rediscovering our hopes and dreams in life. A Peer Specialist with the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH), Kate relates her personal story on depression. We look forward to receiving more inspirational stories like Kate’s and we hope…
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My Anxiety; My Recovery
By Nicole K. // I feel like I’m unravelling. Rapidly. All the ground I’ve gained in the past months seems to be giving way under my feet. I’m falling through the cracks. Holding on. Holding on for dear life. This can’t be happening again. Not again. Those were the words I hastily scribbled in my…
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Psychologist or Psychiatrist?
By Nicole K. // I have been frequently asked on what the difference is, between a psychologist and a psychiatrist. So I thought I might just as well share what I know. To put it simply: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who treats the brain, as mental illness is a result of neurobiological imbalance. A…
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An Overcoming Strength: Jolene C.
Editor’s Note: There’s so much we don’t know about mental health. Here is an enlightening read contributed by assistant psychologist and self-confessed “psych junkie”, Jolene.
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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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Heart Matters: Ling’s Story
Editor’s Note: Good mental health is about embracing who you are, and extending that acceptance to someone else. It is about building a trusted network of meaningful relationships. Our reader, Ling, shares her heart on what it means to love in spite of her own fears and vulnerability when it comes to meeting that special someone.
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Peer Support Specialist: Julius’ Story
Update: Julius is currently working as a Peer Support Specialist with IMH. He continues to be an inspiration to many 🙂 Kudos to Julius for boldly sharing his story on our local paper! Looks like the idea of mental health story-sharing is gaining traction here in Singapore 🙂 If you have a mental health story…
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Discontinuing Psychiatric Medications: What You Need to Know
Discontinuing Psychiatric Medications: What You Need to Know By MARGARITA TARTAKOVSKY, M.S. Many people have a dark view of medication withdrawal. They may have read or heard the scary stories about uncomfortable side effects or come across startling headlines related to the risks of discontinuing various drugs. The reality is that it is possible to safely…
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Green Couches: Ana’s Story
Editor’s Note: Some of us come from difficult backgrounds, where family relationships were rife with conflict, inflicting wounds and scars that never seem to go away. These hurts, when not dealt with appropriately, can leave one vulnerable to mental distresses like depression and anxiety, even suicide. Our reader, Ana, shares how she rose above the…
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One Word At A Time
By Nicole K. // If only we knew how much power lay in a single word. Words wield the power to heal or to hurt; to bless or to curse; to reveal or to mislead; to inspire or to discourage. The root of stigma against mental illnesses is perpetuated by our choice of words. Let’s…
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Looking On: Angela’s Story
Editor’s Note: Amidst the pain of loneliness and stigma that often accompanies mental illness, our reader Angela found comfort in her artwork. A talented artist, Angela has graciously provided one of her pieces to accompany her story on surviving a difficult childhood and what it’s like living with depression today.
