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Together Against Stigma conference 2019
By Dawn W. // On 3-5 October 2019, like-minded individuals convened in a conference to discuss social stigma faced by persons with mental health conditions. As a bystander, it is convenient to cast people into stereotypes and reduce their narratives to that of mere self-pity; forgetting that they too, are just as human as anyone…
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World Mental Health Day 2019: Suicide Prevention
By Nicole K. // Whenever I read about suicide on social media, I am morbidly drawn to the comments section. Invariably, the comments consist mostly of condolences for the family; condemnation of the person who attempted suicide or died, saying they were selfish, weak and an inconvenience; and complaints that the government ought to have…
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5 Things I’ve Learnt About Relapse: Sharol’s Story
by Sharol S. // Relapse remains dreaded. Putting that aside, I’ve come to learn from every experience how to better manage my condition. My psychiatrists and counsellors have shared many helpful tips that worked well when I was in need, which I found doable over time. I have learnt to be more sensitive to my…
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When Nothing Seems to Work: A.M.’s Story
By A.M. I’m A.M. and I have depression and anxiety disorder, or what I call, D+A. This has been my reality for the past three and a half years. The dysphoria started when I was 16. There was a ceaseless cloud of malaise and suicidal thoughts. Anxiety attacks were quotidian. I didn’t know what was…
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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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“In Order To Become Well”: Reflections on Mental Health Festival 2018
By Joshua L. // In the heart of former Woodbridge Hospital on the 8th of September 2018, people from all over Singapore congregated for the same cause: mental health. Community partners, ambassadors, and members of the public gathered at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) to celebrate its 90th anniversary. To mark this momentous shift…
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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…
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Book Review: Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig
By Beyond A Maze // Depressed at 24, Matt Haig wanted to jump off a cliff. But he chose to turn back. A few years later, Haig penned his experiences and thoughts in Reasons to Stay Alive (RTSA). But RTSA is more than a memoir that raises awareness about mental illness. It’s more than a…