More Than Conquerors

14 March 2008

Support Groups in Singapore

I just found out that in Singapore we do have Support Groups though not specifically for Bipolar Disorder. Usually the Support Groups cater to a variety of mood disorders which involves depression. These mood disorders can be major depression, bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness), anxiety disorders, Schizophrenia, etc etc.

The following 2 places provide Support Groups or Group Therapy for mood disorders:

1) Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH)

Peer Support Groups (PSG)

The Peer Support Groups (PSG) are self-help groups for people who are recovering or have recovered from mental health problems to get together as a group for information and sharing of experiences, to obtain social and emotional support and to learn from one another.

How is the PSG run?

SAMH runs two types of Recovery Support Groups:

Sunshinepath - A Support Group for Depression (include Bipolar Disorder) and Anxiety
Mental Health Interactive Group for Schizophrenia

For Sunshinepath Support Group for Depression & Anxiety, members will meet on the first Monday of every month from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.

For Mental Health Interactive Group for Schizophrenia, members will meet fortnightly on the second and fourth Fridays of every month from 2 p.m. to 3.30 p.m.

(Both groups use English as the main language medium but translation by peer volunteers are provided for members who are Mandarin speaking)

Who will conduct the PSG sessions?
The Peer Support Groups are run by trained volunteers who are recovered sufferers with a mental health counsellor or social worker as the moderator.

Where will the PSG be run?
The Peer Support Groups are held at
Central Singapore Club 3R
Blk 69 Toa Payoh Lorong 4
#01-365 Singapore 310069

Who can join?
Persons who have suffered from:

Schizophrenia
Depression
Bipolar Disorder
Anxiety Disorders

Are There Any Requirements from PSG members?
As the PSG is a support group for people going through the challenges of mental health problems, we strive to make the support group a safe and therapeutic avenue for members to be able to relate their experiences. Therefore all members are expected to maintain confidentiality at all times.

Are there any fees involved?
You only need to pay a one time registration fee of $10 to join the group.

How do I join the PSG?
To register for PSG, please click here

For more information on Peer Support Groups, please contact between Monday – Friday (except holidays)

Social Worker, Support Groups, Singapore Association for Mental Health Blk 69 Toa Payoh Lorong 4 #01-365, Singapore 310069
Fax No: 62526834
Email:supportsvcs@samhealth.org.sg
For further enquiry, please call 1800 2837019 (09.00am-1.00pm, 2.00-6.00pm) or email to the above email address.

2) Institute of Mental Health (IMH) runs Group Therapy besides individual and family therapy.

Institute of Mental Health (IMH)
Buangkok Green Medical Park
10 Buangkok View, Singapore 539747
Tel : 6389 2000
Fax : 6385 1050
Quality Service (Toll-Free): 1800-3864541
Emergency Help Line (24 Hours): (65) 6389-2222
Outpatient Appointment (65) 6389-2200
Email: imh_appt@imh.com.sg
Admission Enquiries: (65) 6389-2003/4
Billing Enquiries: (65) 6389-2016/7/8

Thank God for provision of Freelance Jobs

Thank God for His faithfulness in providing 2 Freelance Jobs for me this month.

Earlier this month, a good friend of mine, who is also my sister-in-Christ in my church, offered to give me some freelance job assignment. She is herself also a freelancer. Thank God that by His providence, she has been having increasing projects this month and felt the need to get some help. She thought of me and has kindly asked me to help her. There will not be a fixed income but rather she will pay me per project. Thank God for His provision through her.

Just yesterday, another 2 friends of mine whom I did some freelance work for previously, also approached me to do a short project for them. I am doing some transcribing work for them. They have send me some taped messages, and I am listening to these messages and transcribing them by typing them out in MicroSoft Word document. Thank God that I am able to work from home at my own pace! Praise God for His faithfulness in providing another means to earn a living.

There is still a terrible stigma associated with mental illnesses in Singapore. Finding a fulltime job has been difficult for me. I am thankful for my formal diagnosis of proneness to bipolar disorder last year as it enables me to understand my confusing past, and to find helps to manage my condition so that I am more functional and useful for the Lord and society. But with the formal diagnosis also came the difficulties to look for a job. I am required to declare my health status in the Job Application forms when I go for Job interviews. So far my experiences have been, whenever I declare my health status, I no longer hear from these employers.

Thank God that He is able to provide for our every need. Despite the difficulties of finding a job, the Lord has provided through freelance job assignments. For these freelance work, I am not required to declare my health condition. Thank God that I am able to continue to use my skills to serve Him in these freelance jobs.

It is a great encouragement to me that despite my condition, I can still be useful for the Lord and can contribute towards the ministry in the church as well as work in the society. I just pray that the Lord will enable me to glorify Him wherever He places me, and He will grant me much wisdom, strength and joy to serve Him at work. I do need to remember to pace myself slowly and take breaks in between my work.

I took this picture at East Coast Beach, Singapore

"I have been young and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." Psalm 37:25

To see more of the photos I have taken, visit my "Around Singapore" blog where I share some photos and some places of interest in Singapore :-)

13 March 2008

Support Group for Bipolar Disorder in Singapore

I just received an email from N in Singapore who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder last year. She mentioned that she is in dire need of a Support Group and other helps.

I checked out Institute of Mental Health (IMH)'s website but can't find any information on Support Group for Bipolar Disorder.

I did a quick search on Google and could not find any information there too on Support Group for Bipolar Disorder in Singapore. But I found a website in which 15 people in Singapore has indicated their desire for a Bipolar Disorder Meetup :

http://bipolar.meetup.com/cities/sg/singapore/

One of my blogging friends, Marja Bergen of "Roller Coaster" has shared about the mood disorder Support Group in her church called"Living Room".

After reading the email from N and reading about the other 14 people (N was one of them too) on their desire for a Bipolar Disorder Meetup, I can see that here seemed to be a dire need for such a Support Group in Singapore, whether it be a Christian Group or non-religious Group, depending on the faith of those needing it.

I am not very sure whether there is an existing Support Group for Bipolar Disorder in Singapore. I will try again to look and find out. Let me know if you are aware of such a group.

If you are in Singapore, and you or your loved ones/family/friends are suffering from bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness), and you are keen to attend a Bipolar Disorder Meetup or Support Group, please leave me a note in my comments to share with me your thoughts or desire. Or you can email me at mylifewithbp@mail.com. I will love to hear from you.

Share with me your thoughts, if any. Thanks!

(Note: I just found out that in Singapore there are Support Groups available for various mood disorders which involves depression. These mood disorders can be major depression, bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness), anxiety disorders, Schizophrenia, etc etc.)

If you wish to read up more on resources for Depression and Bipolar Disorder, check out my resources blog at "Resources for Depression and Bipolar Disorder".

Some of the other contacts in Singapore for mental health helps are:

In Singapore

If you are in Singapore, and you are suffering from Depression, Bipolar Disorder, or some form of similar mental disorders, or you know of someone suffering thus, and need medical and counselling help, do consider contacting the following to see if they can be of help, besides praying and supporting your friend or loved ones.

If you or someone is suicidal, please know that this is an emergency situation and there is hope and help. Please call 999 or see other emergency contact numbers below under number 4).

1) For Medical Help - For diagnosis and medical help

i) Private Psychiatrist

Dr Pauline Sim
Consultant Psychiatrist
L P Clinic Pte Ltd
Provides psychological services for adults and children
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth Suite #05-01
Singapore 228510
Tel: (65) 6735-4526
Fax: (65) 6735-4527

Consultation Hours:
Mon - Fri : 8.30am - 5.30pm
Sat: 8.30am - 1.30pm
Sun & PH : Closed
After Off Hrs: (65) 6535-8833

ii) Hospital

- Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH)
- National University Hospital (NUH)
- Institute of Mental Health (IMH)
- Changi General Hospital (CGH)
- Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH)

2) For Counselling Helps

i) Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH)

Tel: 1800-2837019 (Mon to Fri: 9.00am to 1pm, 2pm to 6pm)

ii) Institute of Mental Health (IMH)

Tel: (65) 6389-2222 or 6389-2000

iii) Counselling & Care Centre

Block 536 Upper Cross Street
#05-241 Hong Lim Complex
Singapore 050536
Tel: (65) 6536-6366
Fax: (65) 6536-6356
Email : info@counsel.org.sg
Webwsite : www.counsel.org.sg

iv) Association of Christian Counsellors of Singapore
c/o 422-A Telok Blangah Road
Singapore 098848 (Near Grace Methodist Church)
Tel: 6274-7480 Fax: 62760024
Email: info@accs.org.sg
Website: http://www.accs.org.sg/

v) For counselling help for children and young adults up to the age of 36:

Clinical Psychologist
The Stepping-Stones Practice
112 East Coast Road #04-17
Katong Mall
Singapore 428802
Tel: (65) 6348-4002
Website: www.thesteppingstonespractice.com

3) 24 Hours Hotline - Samaritans of Singapore
Call: 1800-221-4444 (24-hr hotline)
Email: pat@samaritans.org.sg.

4) In time of emergency, especially when there is suicidal thoughts or tendency, please do the following without delay as the sufferers life may be in danger:

a) Police
Call: 999

b) Ambulance
Call: 999 / 911 / 995

c) Institute of Mental Health
Buangkok Green Medical Park
10 Buangkok View, Singapore 539747
Tel : 6389 2000
Fax : 6385 1050

General Enquiries General Enquiries enquiry@imh.com.sg
Quality Service (Toll-Free): 1800-3864541
Emergency Help Line (24 Hours): (65) 6389-2222
Outpatient Appointment (65) 6389-2200
Email: imh_appt@imh.com.sg
Admission Enquiries: (65) 6389-2003/4
Billing Enquiries: (65) 6389-2016/7/8

Behavioural Medicine Clinic
Alexandra
(8am - 12.30pm, Mon)
(8am – 4.30pm, Tue – Fri)
Tel: (65) 6474-4872 Fax: (65) 64756475

Health Promotion Board Building
(8am – 5pm, Mon – Fri) Tel: (65) 6534-5366 Fax: (65) 6534-3677

Geylang Polyclinic
(8am - 4.30pm, Tue - Fri) Tel: (65) 6746-5171 Tel: (65) 68484579

Child Guidance Clinic

IMH Clinic B
(8am – 5.30pm, Mon – Thu)
(8am - 5pm, Fri)
Tel: (65) 6389-2200 Fax: (65) 6385-1075

Health Promotion Board Building
(8am – 5pm, Mon – Fri) 64353878
Tel: (65) 64353879 Fax: (65) 6534-3677

Sayang Wellness Clinic
IMH Sayang Wellness Clinic
(8am – 5.30pm, Mon – Thu)
(8am - 5pm, Fri)
Tel: (65) 6389-2200 Fax: (65) 6385-1075

Hope the above helps! Remember that there is help and hope. You are not alone. Call someone.

12 March 2008

My new blog on Resource for Bipolar Disorder and Depression

It's been a very wonderful experience for me to develop this blog to share about God's goodness and mercies in my managing of depression, bipolar disorder or manic-depressive illness. I thank God for my diagnosis last March which opens the way for me to understand my confusing past and to learn to manage this condition so that I can be more functional and useful for the Lord.

Thank God that besides daily prayers and meditating on God's Words, He has provided various help which has been helping me in my management of this condition ie. medical help, counselling/talk therapy, building meaningful relationship, regular exercise, omega-3 fish oil supplements, reducing stress, better stress management, recreation and hobbies, etc.

Thank God for the many helpful information and resources available on the internet both for people with mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) and their carers/friends.

I have put all these information I have found useful onto a separate blog especially dedicated for these resources. Hope it will help others who are searching for these help, whether it be for themselves or for their family/friends.

As I am still reading up on how to manage this condition, I hope to continue to post whatever helps I discover along the way for the benefit of others. These information are not meant for self-diagnosis and so if anyone reading these information recognize the symptoms in themselves or their family/friends, they should seek professional medical help. Early diagnosis is crucial to managing depression and bipolar. Especially for bipolar, it is a lifelong and cyclical medical condition. With proper medical and other helps, people with bipolar can lead a productive life.

It is helpful to know that our condition is a medical condition and we are not alone. There is hope and help available.

Check out my new blog "Resources for Depression and Bipolar Disorder (manic-depressive illness)" and let me know what you think of it :-)

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Grace sufficient for each day

Thank God for His reminders through His creations and His providence daily that He cares for us. He has promised in His Words in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that His grace is sufficient for us. This is a tremendous encouragement to me in this pilgrim journey. Even as a Christian, I continue to face various and many challenges in life just like every one else. I go through time of wellness, sickness, success, failures, happiness, disappointments, life, death, etc etc etc too.

Being a Christian does not exempt me from the trials and difficulties in this life. Having bipolar disorder or manic-depressive illness, can make life very difficult for myself and others. The greatest comfort for me in this personal trial, is that God loves me and is sovereignly in control of every situation in my life. Even in allowing me to have bipolar disorder, His love and faithfulness remains unchanging. In fact, it is through my struggles with the 11 or so severe depression episodes over the last 20 years, that I am drawn closer to God to know Him and His love better. At times when I am very confused and hurt by what I was going through, I could only cast myself wholely upon God. At times when family and friends could not understand what I was going through, I could find no comfort in human friendships, the Lord keep me in the palm of His hands. In His love alone, I found that enduring and unconditional love. It gives me the strength to face each day.

Thank God that He is with us always. He will continue to give us the grace to walk with Him and serve Him, even if we have to go through the valley of the shadow of death at times. And when our tasks here is accomplished, we have the blessed hope of being with Him forever to enjoy His love and fellowship for all eternity. What a blessed hope!

My brother took this lovely photo at Muriwai Beach, Western Auckland, New Zealand.

I use this photo to make the following Bookmarks. If you wish to make the bookmark yourself, you can download the respective Free Bookmark Template:

1) 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for thee".

Download Free Bookmark Template: free-bookmarks-2cor12v9.doc

2) Friendship quote:

If you love something, set if free.
If it comes back to you, it's yours.
If it doesn't, it was never meant to be.

Download Free Bookmark Template: free-bookmarks-muriwai-beach.doc

3) Chinese Bible verse for 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for thee”.

In Chinese this verse is read as 我的恩典够你用的 (Pinyin : wǒ de ēn diǎn gòu nǐ yòng de)

Download Free Bookmark Template :

free-chinese-bookmarks-2cor12v9.doc

free-chinese-bookmarks-2cor12v9.pdf

Check out more Free Bookmarks Templates at my Homemade Bookmarks Hobby Blog.

Free Calendars 2010 and Free Planners 2010 Resources:

Free Bookmarks Resources:

Free Cards Resources:

Free Handicrafts Resources : Free Cross-stitch

Free Sewing Resources : Knitting

Free Origami Resources:

Free Arts and Crafts for Kids Resources:

Nice Piano Instrumental Music Resources: