Category: Uncategorized
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Connecting: The Potential Power of Volunteering
The benefits of volunteering may seem obvious to those on the receiving end, but have you ever thought about how volunteering can be beneficial to the volunteer as well? Research shows volunteering can positively impact one’s mental health and overall life satisfaction, especially for those 60 and above. (Mayo Clinic, 2023; Nichol, Wilson, Rodrigues, and…
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Impact of an AIDS diagnosis
About 40 years ago, HIV was identified and confirmed to be the cause of AIDS. (1) Initially, the global health community did not fully understand the virus and there were no effective treatment options available (1). Thankfully, significant medical progress has since been made and an AIDS diagnosis need not be met with such fear…
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Anxiety and Fear Before Coming Out: Impact on Mental Health in Singapore
Coming out as LGBTQ+ is a very personal and often anxiety-inducing experience. Especially in Singapore, conservative social norms and lack of legal protections play an important role. This article dives into the social context, the psychological impact of identity concealing, and the impact on LGBTQ+ people’s mental health in Singapore. Attitudes Towards LGBTQ+ Individuals in…
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Talking – not the most important form of communication?
In my early years as a Speech and Language Therapist, I often supported young clients whose parents came with the hope of “getting them to talk”, or to “talk more”. As I started to support older school-aged clients, I’ve had many other parents tell me their child doesn’t need Speech and Language Therapy because they…
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“Not in Words, But in Everything I Did” – Did You Ever Notice It?
Lately, I was watching a Korean drama, and one scene hit me hard. A dad bought all the peas from a market stall just because his young daughter loved them. That small act of love reminded me of my own dad. When I was a kid, I never thought about how he made money or…
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Dogs and Mental Health: A Psychologist’s Perspective
As the proud pawrent of a 5-year-old Shih Tzu, I can honestly say that he’s been my little rock in life’s ups and downs. A wagging tail, a nuzzle, or a playful bark can instantly lift my spirits. Caring for him has also brought balance to my life. He nudges me out of my work…
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The Impact of Dementia on Families: Navigating the Challenges
Dementia is not only a medical condition that affects the individual diagnosed but also has profound emotional, social, and financial consequences for their families. As dementia progresses, caregivers, who are often family members, face a range of challenges that can take a significant toll on their mental and physical health. These challenges are exacerbated by…
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National Day of Singapore
The sunny island of Singapore which is found just one degree of latitude above the Equator gained her independence from Malaysia on 9th August 1965. In a blink of an eye, she is celebrating her big 60th this year, 2025! As a true ‘red’ Singaporean, what does this day mean to me? Let me share…
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What is Gentle Parenting?
When it comes to raising children, gentle parenting is an approach that emphasizes empathy, respect, and understanding. It steers away from traditional disciplinary methods that rely heavily on punishment or control. Instead of focusing on forcefully correcting the child’s external behaviours, gentle parenting seeks to nurture the child’s emotional well-being, fostering a secure, trusting relationship…
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Autism and Independence
Will my child ever be independent? Will my child be financially independent? Will my child be able to live alone? How will my child survive after I die? Who will take care of him/her? Independence is a common worry for parents of children on the spectrum. Whilst every child differs depending on their level of…