Are you struggling with the new ‘normal’? This is a challenging time for many people, and the effects of the situation we find ourselves in are not always easy to handle. There is no sure fire way to deal with everything smoothly and easily, each and every time, but there is a way for you to get the help that you might need.
The first step is to acknowledge what is going on and admit that this situation is overwhelming. Mental health is real, and given what we are all going through, there are options available to reach out to others to get the assistance you might need. Let’s focus on moving “beyond the label,” and ensuring that we come through this as best we can.
There are many ways to access this help. The National CARE Hotline : 6202-6868 is available 24 hours a day.
Other options include:
Mental Well-being
– Fei Yue’s Online Counselling Service (eC2.sg)
– Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline (6389-2222)
– Samaritans of Singapore (1800-221-4444)
– Silver Ribbon Singapore (6385-3714)
Marital and parenting issues
– Community Psychology Hub’s Online Counselling platform (CPHOnlineCounselling.sg)
Violence or abuse
– Big Love Child Protection Specialist Centre (6445-0400)
– HEART @ Fei Yue Child Protection Specialist Centre (6819-9170)
– PAVE Integrated Services for Individual and Family Protection (6555-0390)
– Project StART (6476-1482)
– TRANS SAFE Centre (6449-9088)
Counselling
– TOUCHline (Counselling) – 1800 377 2252
For all other helplines
– Visit go.gov.sg/hotlines
Other strategies to consider include:
“Maintaining a strong social connection, either through social media, texts or calls, is as important as prioritising a healthy diet and sleep pattern,” SOS’ Mr Tan said. “This period is also an opportunity to catch up and engage in meaningful conversations with family members.” (CNA 15th April 2020)
As the Founder of The Conscious Zone, we also believe in strategies drawn from disciplines such as Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Training, to help bolster your mental wellbeing.
There is no shame in getting help when you need it. Remember the airline analogy, you need to put your own oxygen mask on first before you help others. Do reach out to some of the avenues listed above if you need to! Take care and stay safe.