Category: Mental Health
-
What Does Self-Care Really Mean in Busy Singapore?
Self-care has become something of a buzzword. We see it on our Instagram feeds, in workplace wellness campaigns and on posters at MRT stations. Usually it is presented as something we do or buy: a massage after a long week, a staycation at Sentosa, a quiet kopi at the hawker centre before the day begins,…
-
Title: What is EMDR and how can it help?
Understanding EMDR Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy that helps people process distressing or traumatic memories so they feel less overwhelming. When something frightening or painful happens, the memory can stay “stuck”. Even years later, a trigger can bring back the same fear, shame or panic as if it were…
-
Beyond the Blues: Understanding Youth Depression and how parents can support
Depression Awareness Month is on! While depression is often framed as an adult condition, children and adolescents are increasingly affected. Awareness initiatives serve as a critical reminder that young people do not simply experience “mood swings” or “typical teenage angst”—they often battle serious, treatable mental health conditions. Global and Regional Prevalence: The Numbers Recent epidemiological…
-
Grieving a parent or grandparent
Losing a parent or grandparent is a profound, yet universal experience. Because these individuals were often fixtures in our life, it can feel like something foundational in our world has shifted. Grief is multifaceted and nonlinear. It can involve not only sadness but guilt for not doing more, relief from the burdens of caretaking, or…
-
Stress and Decision Making: Understanding the Impact and Finding Solutions
We face stressful situations every day. It is a universal experience that affects all of us, whether it’s dealing with personal challenges or navigating the demands of our fast-paced professional lives. When we are under stress, our brains go into overdrive, it shifts the way we think, impacting how we process information and make decisions.…
-
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: October 2025
Everyone deserves to live in a home that is their sanctuary, free from violence and intimidation. Yet for millions of people around the world, home is a prison. The month of October is dedicated to raising awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence and to show support and solidarity with its victims. The global initiative…
-
The Role of Small Acts of Kindness in Suicide Prevention
In my work as a clinical psychologist, I have met many clients who keep their thoughts and feelings to themselves and live their lives without anyone knowing how much pain and suffering they are in. There is still much stigma around speaking to family and friends about mental health, whether it is because of shame…
-
Cancer in children and role for parents
Cancer in children is a profoundly challenging experience for families, and the mental health of parents plays a crucial role in how the situation unfolds. Impact of Childhood Cancer on Parents 1. Emotional Stress: Parents often experience intense emotional stress, including anxiety, depression, and grief. The uncertainty of the child’s prognosis, the fear of treatment…
-
Understanding Sibling Grief: A Unique and Often Overlooked Loss
One of the most heartfelt yet often forgotten forms of grief is sibling bereavement. The death of a brother or sister signifies not just the loss of a family member but also the departure of someone who has been there for us all through our lives. They are the ones who were by our sides…
-
Navigating Work and Bipolar: Real Strategies for Real Challenges
Living with bipolar disorder while holding down a job is no small feat. For many people, the workplace is both a source of meaning and a source of pressure. When your inner world is unpredictable, swinging between the highs of hypomania/mania and the lows of depression, it can feel like you’re carrying the weight of…