Category: World Mental Health Day 2025Page 1 of 4
World Mental Health Day falls on 10 October 2025. In our fight to help remove the stigma associated with mental health conditions, we present stories of brave men and women who openly talk about their struggles with mental health.
We hope these interviews remind you that you’re not alone. We also hope that they encourage you to seek help or speak with someone.
“Looking back on my life, there were moments that felt very dark. I was never so depressed that I wanted to take my own life, but I did feel it would be easier if God took me away. I didn’t want to burden the people in my life because of my condition. But every time I think that way, God reminds me why I’m important in some people’s lives and why I still need to be here.”
“Due to the huge stress I was under, I developed shingles. I was in physical pain as well as mental anguish. But I had made the decision to never work for anyone else again. I was not cut out for that life, and I would be an even bigger failure if I returned to a regular office job.”
Choke Clinch Crank Combat | Singapore’s first professional MMA fighter talks about overcoming failure to realise his dreams
Humans of Sentosa | “What ignites a fire in me when I play golf? That’s a good question. I’m not competitive anymore – in the sense that I’m not a professional who plays for money now – but when you’re playing against anybody, you play to win. And I’m a terrible loser. I hate to lose.”
Choke Clinch Crank Combat | The former MMA fighter talks about overcoming suicidal thoughts and believing in a higher power.
Choke Clinch Crank Combat | The former MMA fighter and national wrestler talks about moulding the future generation.
“As an actor, I’ve spent so much time shooting on set, especially last year when I was in Melaka for three months. But what am I chasing at the end of the day? I love my work, but it takes such a huge chunk of time from my family, and I don’t know how much time I have left.”
“It took me a very long time to realise this, but nothing is more important than your mental health, be it in love or career. Life is about the decisions you make, so choose wisely, and always protect your peace of mind.”
“Some people were just born with a funny personality, but I’m more of a quiet observer. I’m constantly studying comedians, and thinking about how I can copy or outdo them. I’m writing down ideas and jokes all the time, so I’m really a writer at the end of the day.”
Choke Clinch Crank Combat | The undefeated professional boxer in Singapore shares how martial arts transformed her.
“I started losing hair at 16. When my dad brought me to see a doctor, the doctor said, ‘Peter, there’s no cure for hair loss. Don’t waste your money on treatments. Look at your dad. He is bald too, but he moved on with his life. Just count your blessings and accept your fate.”
“I made it my mission as an actor to bring authentic representation to my work. And there are many ways to do that. For me, I chose to be mindful of the roles I play and portray.”
People of Legends | “Sometimes, I do wonder. What if my brother called me the day he wanted to kill himself? Is there something I could have done? That emotion is very unresolved, because there’s nothing that you can do about it now.”
People of Legends | “I went for counselling, and the counsellor gave me very good advice. She said my ex-wife is out there smiling, laughing and enjoying her life as though I never existed. She’s living her best life right now, while I’m here spiralling. Don’t I deserve to be happy, too?”
How do you cope with life’s unexpected events? Jean Ling shows how she didn’t just survive but thrived after a car accident in New Zealand.
“What keeps me motivated is purpose. I cannot imagine doing anything else. When I get feedback from my team that the girls are motivated to continue with our courses, it’s such a motivator for everyone.”
This World Mental Health Day, John Lim of Live Young and Well wants you to love yourself and lean on the power of friendships.
“I’ve learnt that when you gamble, you don’t only hurt yourself, but you hurt the people closest to you as well. So now, it’s not just about not wanting to fail myself, but also not wanting to fail the people I love.”
“Being a part of the musical felt amazing, because as ITE students, we were already looked at as the black sheep of society. So there was this genuine sense of unity; this sense of brotherhood and sisterhood. Everyone in the production really looked out for one another.”
“Whenever I hear how challenging it is for ex-offenders like myself to secure jobs, I am reminded of how fortunate I have been. My only hope is that society will be more widely accepting of ex-offenders starting afresh.”