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...

Mathematician John Allen Paulos said, “Uncertainty is the only certainty there is, and knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security.” Humans seek patterns to feel secure, even when none exist. Like gamblers who justify wins and losses, we search for cause and effect to feel in control (Armstrong et al., 2020). Neuroscientific research supports the notion that uncertainty triggers stress responses similar to those triggered by immediate danger (Steffen et al., 2022

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

What is Resilience? Resilience is the ability to adapt well in the face of adversity. It refers to the difficult or challenging experiences we encounter throughout life, ranging from family and relationship problems to workplace and financial stressors (American Psychological Association, 2020). It acts as a buffer that helps us recover, learn, and grow despite hardship. Why do we need Resilience? When adversity is strong, frequent, and prolonged, and we lack the support of r

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

Self-care is the act of safeguarding oneself’s interests to maintain or strive for optimal physical and mental health (Martínez et al., 2021). Getting sufficient sleep, eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and allocating time for one’s hobbies are ways to engage in self-care (Nickert, 2023). It is crucial to invest in self-care practices as this can result in more effective stress management, decrease one’s illness risk, and increase energy levels (National Institut

To the Singaporean workforce, work-life balance is often something of a dream. Some reasons people disregard this balance can be being...

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

Do you have what it takes to be ‘that girl/guy’? This recently viral trend on social media encourages users to be in touch with their wellness, particularly through taking care of their physical health. Everyone should aim to reach the best versions of themselves! In the garden city of Singapore, hiking can be a way for you to achieve wellness.  Tips for hiking Hiking is an engaging form of exercise that keeps your cardiovascular health in check. Basking in greenery can reduc

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...

What is Self-care The word “self-care” has been floating around since the rise in awareness of mental health. This is especially so after...

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

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...

Dementia is an umbrella term referring to a group of neurodegenerative diseases. Dementia affects memory, thinking skills, language and...