According to the Cambridge dictionary, hope refers to “the feeling that something desired can be had or will happen” What then, is the distinction between hope and optimism? According to Bruininks and Malle’s study (2006), hope involves a decreased degree of control, where outcomes can be more crucial but have a lower likelihood of success. In contrast, optimism involves a high degree of control, with more achievable outcomes. However, some researchers view hope as being acti

The death of a loved one is never easy to deal with, and people experience grief in diverse ways. Did you know that most children grasp...

Being a new mother is often associated with joy and pride. Still, some mothers struggle with anxiety, loss of energy, and negative feelings towards the baby, which can be signs of postpartum depression (PPD). Unlike temporary postpartum blues, PPD lasts for more than 2 weeks within the first year of delivery. Approximately 7-10% of mothers in Singapore suffer from PPD, highlighting the importance of recognising the early signs of PPD.  Postpartum blues are often mistaken for

In a world that often ties success with self-discipline and achievement, we usually struggle to show ourselves the kindness we readily offer to others. Societal norms frequently emphasise self-sacrifice, toughness, and perfectionism, which can lead to harsh self-criticism. This can make it difficult to detach from self-critical thoughts, thus leading to negative mental health outcomes such as anxiety and depression (Egan et al., 2022). However, self-compassion offers an alter

The Tree of Life is a key example found in many cultures and mythologies worldwide, representing human interconnectedness and the cycle of life.   In the realm of mental health, the concept has been utilised as a narrative therapy technique that intricately weaves life stories into the metaphor of a tree, empowering individuals to visualise their journey, uncover hidden strengths, and reclaim their narratives, particularly those navigating trauma and hardship.   According to

The constantly evolving, commercialised nature of beauty standards has propagated an insidious culture of having to conform to a set of constructs to feel “accepted” by society. Detrimental impacts often accompany these standards on one's mental and physical well-being. Therefore, it is essential that we remain wary of the unattainable or unhealthy beauty standards presented in our media-saturated world and learn to avoid them.  Historically, beauty standards emerged from var

Singapore's fast-paced environment has long celebrated the hustle mentality. We're all familiar with the constant push for achievement...

Pets are often like children to their humans! Playing with them not only strengthens the bond but also keeps both of you happy and...

Benefits (Research Studies) Spending time in nature has been found to help with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. For example, research into ecotherapy (a type of formal treatment that involves doing activities outside of nature) has shown it can help with mild to moderate depression. This might be due to combining regular physical activity and social contact with being outside in nature. Anxieties about climate change can also have a big impact on our we

Art therapy seeks to boost mental well-being through the use of various artistic media. It is an evidence-based approach that complements other forms of mental health treatment and has demonstrated effectiveness in managing a range of mental disorders like depression, anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and eating disorders. It also provides a platform for building emotional resilience, self-esteem and other personal skills like communication. The process is facili

Developing a Wellness Plan Consolidating helpful coping strategies and resources can help you to be more reflective on past experiences,...

Through mindfulness, we can reduce our stress and enhance our well-being. Here are some tips to get started! Engage in relaxation...

This model explains the four stages of the progression of self-stigma. The stigmatized individual becomes aware of the stigma against...

Due to the widespread stigma associated with mental illness in Singapore, there is a rising need to counter it, now, more than ever. The...

There are many public resources and healthcare providers available in Singapore should other avenues of care be inaccessible or...

With the ever-increasing number of Singaporeans facing mental health challenges, there has been a corresponding increase in efforts to...

No matter the magnitude, stigma, prejudice, and discrimination against people with mental illness leads to harm to stigmatised...

Transitioning to university abroad can be exciting yet scary at the same time as you'll be in unfamiliar location. Here are some tips to...

Transitioning to university can be exciting yet scary at the same time. Here are some tips to help you tide through this change and...

Introduction Have you ever been a witness, or target, of bullying? A Pisa study run by the OECD revealed that in 2015, 14.5% of 15-year...