Category: World Mental Health Day 2025Page 3 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.

Melody Chau: Between Singapore and Hong Kong, a Place to Call Home

“For the past 28 years, I’ve felt like a foreigner in a country that I call home. This feeling is very strong when I fill up documents that ask for my identity. Where were you born? What is your citizenship? When faced with such questions, I always question where I belong.”

Sending Heartfelt Mail to Socially-Isolated Elderly in Nursing Homes

In our very first episode of A Singapore Story, we find out from non-profit ‘Hey, You Got Mail!’ why it was important for them to send personalised, handwritten letters to the elderly in Singapore’s nursing homes.

Kyle Neo: Cancer Survivor Finds Healing Through Buddhism and Creative Design

Inspiring Creatives of Workbuddy | “I’m 40 this year and I’m pleased to tell people I’m 40 because at 33, I was diagnosed with cancer…”

Jaslyn: Sending Heartfelt Mail to Socially-Isolated Elderly This Circuit Breaker

“We believe that nothing can recreate the feelings of warmth when one holds a personalised handwritten card. We want to share that warmth with the seniors…”

Shakur: Boxing Helps Former Secret Society Member Find Purpose in Life

People of Legends | “When I was in prison, my counsellor told me that since I like to fight so much, why not fight in the ring instead? He told me I was smart but I was letting my friends control me. I can think for myself; don’t be their puppet. I took his advice to heart.”

Chunhui: Not Defined by Handicap, She Gives Back to Society

Humans of Habitat Singapore | “I guess I’m still a work in progress. Maybe one day I would be more at peace and wander around without the artificial arm and not care about anyone staring. Perhaps one day I can fully embrace the person whom God made me instead of hiding it from the world.”

MMA Fighter Amir Khan: Overcoming Tourette, Bullying and Losses to Become a Champion in Life

“That’s what life is about. It’s about winning and losing. And if you do lose, it’s about how you overcome the failures to prove your self-worth. Never give up…”

Azzy Mozerin: From Bullied Student to Aspirational Actor, Writer and Director

“I used to blame myself a lot. Why did you let people bully you? Why did you let people criticise you? You cannot do anything. You suck. But I’ve learnt that forgiveness is very important in life…”

Zenda Tan: Fresh Graduate Writes Debut Play About Love and Loss

“I hope people who watch the play go home feeling a sense of comfort. Comfort that you can move on after someone’s death, that there can be reconciliation with a sibling even if the relationship is tense right now, that your angry child can grow up full of compassion.”

Alex Cates: Bullied for Being Dyslexic, Youth Found Love for Boxing

People of Legends | “Because I’m dyslexic, I got judged for being very behind in class. I was mentally and physically abused by the other kids in school; but, it doesn’t matter anymore because I’ve worked hard to be at the level where I’m at now.”

Laura Philomin: Leaving the Stress of Journalism Life for Meaningful NGO Work

Humans of Habitat Singapore | “Some of them are just so happy to have someone to talk to and open up about who they used to be. They feel so isolated because they might not have family members to carry on their memories for them, but I’m interested to hear, and I’m interested to learn.”

Afiqah: Finding Her Strength Through Surviving Heart Surgery and Cancer at a Young Age

“If I have any message of hope, it’s that cancer is not a death sentence. You have to stay strong and fight. Through overcoming heart surgery and cancer, I grew stronger than ever. You have to believe that there is life after cancer.”

Narash: Being a Guiding Light for At-Risk Youths in Singapore

When a youth silently takes his own life, it means that there was no one out there to assure him that his life is worth living. Every youth needs someone to let him know that he matters, that it’s important he exists – everyone in this world does.

Dawn: Overcoming Self-Harm Through Boxing and Exercise

People of Legends | “What’s most important is that you never give up on yourself…You’re limited by yourself; nobody decides what your limitations are for you.”

Velvan: Boxing Gives Troubled Teen Purpose After Mom’s Passing

People of Legends | “I want my dad to know that I really respect him a lot. We know it hasn’t been easy for him being a dad and a mom at the same time.”

Narish: From Angry Teen Rebel to Talented Young Boxer Who Understands the Importance of Compassion

People of Legends | “Compassion is important because it helps me connect with people. I was at my worst when I felt like people didn’t understand me, so now I want to feel what others feel.”

Sie Cheong: Heartbreak of Losing Wife to Breast Cancer Inspires Man to Join Pink Ribbon Walk

I’m okay. I was just glad she didn’t have to suffer anymore, but I do miss her. I miss everything about her. What can I say? It was love. I still wear our wedding ring to this very day.

Deborah Emmanuel: Finding Herself After Losing Her Mother and Serving Time in Prison

All I ever wanted was for him to be proud of me. As a child I just wanted his approval and felt like I never got it because I was in lots of trouble. But he’s released me from some stuff I hadn’t really resolved from my childhood.

Humans of ISCOS: Muru

There were days where I felt stressed, depressed and really broken down. Why was I still being labelled? Why were they still thinking of me in a negative way? That was a real struggle for me, but I used their words as inspiration to turn over a new leaf.

Tracy Hoo: A Breast Cancer Survivor Inspires Hope in Other Women

But I want women out there to know I understand what you’re going through, and I just hope to be an inspiration to you. Just stay positive, get the necessary treatment, and everything will be alright. It’s not the end of the world. There is life after cancer.