People often ask me how I manage to juggle so many things, and for a long time, I thought I could handle it all. People think I'm happy all the time, and have boundless energy. That's not true. My previous jobs rewarded me for working long hours and intensively. However, as life has evolved and my responsibilities have increased, I've found it more and more difficult to balance everything. I recently experienced severe anxiety and sought the help of a psychiatrist who prescribed medication that has helped me manage my emotions and mood swings.
I am currently taking antidepressants to help me.
This is not forever, but just for the time it takes for me to heal. I’m also seeing a therapist to understand myself better, and talk through my concerns.
As a bar owner, it can be challenging to refuse people who want to drink because it is part of my job. But since starting medication, I have had to significantly reduce my alcohol consumption. I sometimes wonder why it's so hard for us to be open about taking medication for mental health, while it's more socially acceptable to say we're on antibiotics for a bacterial infection and cannot drink.
The issue here is that mental health issues should be treated with the same level of compassion as physical illnesses. When someone tells us they have cancer, we say sorry and wish them a speedy recovery. We need to have the same level of empathy and support for people who are struggling with mental health issues. Both can be life-threatening, and we need to help people overcome their challenges, whether they are physical or mental.
Asking for help is a sign of strength and courage, not weakness. It's important to remember that we don't have to face our challenges alone. There are people in our lives, whether they are friends, family, or professionals, who are willing and able to support us. Seeking help can be intimidating, but it's important to push past those feelings and reach out. By doing so, we can gain new insights, learn new coping strategies, and build a support system that can help us navigate the ups and downs of life. So if you're struggling, don't hesitate to ask for help. You deserve support, and there are people out there who want to help you.
Mental health issues continue to be stigmatised in society. However, it's important to realise that mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking help for mental health issues should be treated no differently than seeking help for physical health issues. It's time to end the stigma surrounding mental health and provide people with the same level of compassion, support, and understanding as we would for any other illness. By doing so, we can help individuals lead healthier, happier lives and create a more empathetic and inclusive society.
#mentalhealth #endthestigma #wellness #mentalhealthsupport #mentalwellness #bekind #selfcare #energy #health #people #society #empathy #help
Cc: Edwin Tong SC on youth mental health
I am currently taking antidepressants to help me.
This is not forever, but just for the time it takes for me to heal. I’m also seeing a therapist to understand myself better, and talk through my concerns.
As a bar owner, it can be challenging to refuse people who want to drink because it is part of my job. But since starting medication, I have had to significantly reduce my alcohol consumption. I sometimes wonder why it's so hard for us to be open about taking medication for mental health, while it's more socially acceptable to say we're on antibiotics for a bacterial infection and cannot drink.
The issue here is that mental health issues should be treated with the same level of compassion as physical illnesses. When someone tells us they have cancer, we say sorry and wish them a speedy recovery. We need to have the same level of empathy and support for people who are struggling with mental health issues. Both can be life-threatening, and we need to help people overcome their challenges, whether they are physical or mental.
Asking for help is a sign of strength and courage, not weakness. It's important to remember that we don't have to face our challenges alone. There are people in our lives, whether they are friends, family, or professionals, who are willing and able to support us. Seeking help can be intimidating, but it's important to push past those feelings and reach out. By doing so, we can gain new insights, learn new coping strategies, and build a support system that can help us navigate the ups and downs of life. So if you're struggling, don't hesitate to ask for help. You deserve support, and there are people out there who want to help you.
Mental health issues continue to be stigmatised in society. However, it's important to realise that mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking help for mental health issues should be treated no differently than seeking help for physical health issues. It's time to end the stigma surrounding mental health and provide people with the same level of compassion, support, and understanding as we would for any other illness. By doing so, we can help individuals lead healthier, happier lives and create a more empathetic and inclusive society.
#mentalhealth #endthestigma #wellness #mentalhealthsupport #mentalwellness #bekind #selfcare #energy #health #people #society #empathy #help
Cc: Edwin Tong SC on youth mental health
