Mental health
These two words carry a profound weight that many of us feel but rarely speak about. A weight that often goes unnoticed until it presses down on us.
They hold within them the quiet struggles that no one sees—the sleepless nights, the inner battles, the overwhelming thoughts that refuse to let go.
They carry the burden of all the fears and uncertainties that we carry in silence, the shame of not feeling okay when the world tells us we should be.
But within those two words also lies hope, the potential for understanding, for healing, and for a world where it’s okay to not be okay.
It’s time to lift the weight of silence and give ourselves permission to speak.
The Invisible Struggles People Face
It’s easy to overlook the struggles others are facing, especially when we only see the surface of their lives. But behind every smile, there’s often a silent battle—one that too many people fight alone. The challenges people are facing today are immense and varied:
- Stress and Burnout: The pressure to achieve, to keep up, to be “perfect” can leave us feeling exhausted, disconnected, and empty. Burnout has become a silent epidemic, particularly among young people trying to meet the world’s expectations.
- Loneliness and Isolation: Despite being more connected than ever through social media, many people feel profoundly alone. The distance between people has grown, leaving many to grapple with the feeling of not being seen or heard.
- The Stigma of Mental Health: There’s still a lingering stigma surrounding mental health. People often feel ashamed to reach out for help, thinking they should be able to handle it on their own. This shame can trap them in their struggles, leading them to suffer in silence.
- Financial Anxiety: The fear of not being able to make ends meet or the worry about the future can consume someone’s thoughts, making it difficult to focus on anything else.
- Fear of the Unknown: In an uncertain world, many young people are overwhelmed by the idea of their future—what will it hold? Will they succeed? These doubts can spiral into anxiety and depression.
But If you’ve ever felt like you’re fighting an invisible battle with any of above struggles and more , I want you to know something: you are not alone. These struggles don’t define you. They are simply part of the journey you’re on, and there is no shame in asking for help when you need it. Reaching out, speaking up, or even just admitting to yourself that you’re struggling—these are the first steps toward breaking the silence and lifting that weight.
There is strength in vulnerability. There is power in sharing our struggles. And there is healing in knowing that others are right there with you, walking through the same storms. The world may not always see the weight you carry, but you do not have to carry it by yourself. And as you speak up, you may just find that there is a whole community waiting to hold you up, just as you are.
You don’t have to carry this burden by yourself. There are places to turn, hands to reach for, and people who care.
The Simple Yet Powerful Ways to Heal
While reaching out for help is a vital first step, there are also small but powerful ways to care for your own mental health:
- Take a Moment to Breathe: Sometimes, the weight of the world feels unbearable. But in those moments, take a deep breath. Close your eyes, and just be. You are enough.
- Talk to Someone You Trust: It’s hard to open up, but it’s so important to do so. Talk to a friend, a family member, a counselor. The people who love you want to support you—they just need to know how.
- Give Yourself Grace: We often expect ourselves to be perfect, but that’s simply impossible. Allow yourself to be human. Let go of the need to get everything right. You are doing the best you can, and that is enough.
- Focus on the Small Wins: Don’t wait for big victories to feel proud. Celebrate the small steps you take each day. Whether it’s getting out of bed, taking a walk, or simply breathing through the tough moments, these little acts of courage matter.
- Show Up for Others: Sometimes, the best way to heal yourself is to show up for someone else. Offer a listening ear, lend a hand, or just be there. It not only helps them but it can help you too.
How to Reach Out and Find Help
In Singapore, there are several organizations ready to support you, including:
- Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): A 24/7 helpline at 1800-221-4444, providing confidential emotional support for anyone in crisis.
- Institute of Mental Health (IMH): Offering a range of services for mental health support and counseling.
- National Care Hotline (1800-202-6868): A helpline offering emotional support for those in need.
- GrowthBeans Community: A place to find guidance, mentorship, and most importantly, understanding.
And not the least, As a global citizen, I am deeply committed to helping others to the best of my ability. We are all part of one global family, and it’s my belief that by coming together and supporting one another, we can create a world where no one has to face their struggles alone. Each of us has a unique story, and every struggle, whether visible or invisible, deserves to be heard. I am here to listen, offer support, and be a source of strength for anyone who needs it.If you’d like to share your experiences, your thoughts, or your journey, I welcome you to do so through my blog at Singaporebestflights.com. Please feel free to reach out to me at info@singaporebestflights.com—I’m here to listen and to help in any way I can .Together, we can create a supportive community that reminds us we are never alone. We are one global family, and we are here for each other .
The Power of Mental Health: A Reflection on My Experience with GrowthBeans community
When I joined GrowthBeans as a mentor as part of Volunteering opportunity from UBS , I was driven by a desire to give back to the community and help guide young people who were facing challenges. But what I didn’t expect was how much I would learn from them. Through our conversations, I came to realize that the pressures of life—academic expectations, the weight of social media, the uncertainty of the future—is affecting bright, capable young people more across the globe than I could have imagined.
Each interaction was a reminder that mental health isn’t just about a diagnosis—it’s about the daily struggles we all face, and the courage it takes to keep moving forward despite them.
In a society that often prizes achievement, success, and perfection, mental health becomes the silent casualty. This experience has inspired me to do everything in my power to raise awareness, offer support, and help break the stigma surrounding mental health, because each and every person deserves to feel heard, valued, and understood.
The Powerful Words of Mr. Alvin Tan
One of the most moving moments for me during my journey with GrowthBeans was the speech by esteemed Mr. Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, and Minister of State for Culture. He discussed how critical it is to recognize mental health as an integral part of our daily lives. He spoke about the importance of respecting all cultures, all faiths, and all people—but his emphasis on the need to nurture our mental well-being left a lasting impression.
He reminded us that, as much as we strive for success in business and society, we must also strive for success in caring for one another. And that includes nurturing our minds, our emotions, our hearts. Mental health, he said, must be part of the conversation—not as an afterthought, but as a core pillar of how we build a stronger, more compassionate society.
Mr. Alvin Tan emphasized that words “success” and “well-being” weren’t just about financial gains or career milestones—they were about how we take care of each other. How we listen. How we support. How we show up for one another, especially when it’s hardest to speak up.
Thank you Mr. Alvin Tan for your kind words & Insights if you are reading this blog 🙂
A Heartfelt Thank You to GrowthBeans & Team
To Shane Yan (IHRP-CP) and the entire GrowthBeans team, What you’ve built isn’t just a community—it’s a sanctuary for those who need it most. The support, guidance, and understanding you provide create an environment where people feel safe to share, heal, and grow. I am definitely part of the mission to continue spreading awareness about the importance of mental health, to provide a space for meaningful conversations, and to offer help to anyone in need. Your efforts are changing lives, and I am proud to be aligned with a community that values kindness, empathy, and mental well-being above all. Together, we are making a real impact.
To my readers:
Read my another heartfelt experience with Ground-up Initiative – https://singaporebestflights.com/forgotten-heartbeat-of-singapore-need-for-sustainable-kampung-culture/
A Final Thought
Mental health is not something to hide, something to be ashamed of. It’s part of what makes us human. And we don’t have to go through it alone. Together, we can break the silence, erase the stigma, and create a world where it’s okay to ask for help.
If you are struggling, please know this: you are seen, you are loved, and you matter. Reach out. Because there is a community here waiting to embrace you.
