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In her mid-twenties, Serene Ho felt so depressed that she tried to kill herself. She survived, thanks to the intervention of her brother’s girlfriend. Now, according to the story on StraitsTimes.com, she strives to encourage other depressed individuals to seek help before their despair drives them to desperate actions.

A Bone Disease and a Shocking Death

For Serene Ho, one of the things that brought on her depression was her brittle bone disease. Because of her fragile state, she lived at St. Andrew’s Orthopaedic Hospital for Children for a large part of her childhood. Being apart from her family so much caused an emotional distance between Miss Ho and her father and siblings. The only family member she really felt close to was her mother, who cared for her tirelessly. However, her mother died of kidney cancer at 19. It was a shock to Miss Ho, who hadn’t been informed of her mother’s illness. She wrestled with terrible grief and guilt.

Being apart from her family so much caused an emotional distance between Miss Ho and her father and siblings. The only family member she really felt close to was her mother, who cared for her tirelessly. However, her mother died of kidney cancer at 19. It was a shock to Miss Ho, who hadn’t been informed of her mother’s illness. She wrestled with terrible grief and guilt.

A Failed Career and a Distant Family

Serene Ho then attempted a career with the National Council of Social Service. She wanted to be a social worker, to help others. But she could not pass the probation period, despite two different attempts.

After her failure, she sank into deep depression. Struggling with sleeplessness each night, she would call a hotline and tell them her story, just to have someone who would listen. She felt alienated from her family. How could she deal with the overwhelming hopelessness of her situation? The only way out seemed to be suicide.

Two Suicide Attempts

At one point she rolled her wheelchair to the side of a street and waited for an onslaught of heavy traffic so she could would be killed quickly; but not enough cars passed by. She went back to her flat and swallowed a lot of pills, antidepressants prescribed for her by a psychiatrist in Singapore. The pills didn’t kill her, but they caused her terrible intestinal pain. She told her brother’s girlfriend what she had done, and the girlfriend took her to Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

A Fresh Perspective

As she lay in the hospital, recovering, her sisters came to visit her. “The tears I saw in my sisters’ eyes also showed me that killing myself may end my misery but would cause pain to family and friends,” says Miss Ho.

She realised that ending her life would have been selfish. She had people who loved her, people who would grieve if she died.

Some police offers also came to see Miss Ho. They gently informed her that attempting suicide is a crime, and they asked her to find help with a psychiatrist in Singapore. Their kindness inspired hope in her heart, and she began to see a larger picture of society, one in which she had a place.

After a full recovery from the suicide attempt, Miss Ho went on to find a new career as a tutor for children and teens. She also volunteers at SOS occasionally to help others who are in crisis.

A Place of Hope

Perhaps you or someone you know is overwhelmed or in a personal crisis. Finding help for your mental health in Singapore is simple; just contact Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic. Our staff of psychologists and mental health professionals will take excellent care of you. We maintain our clients’ privacy, and we strive to help each person discover a new season of hope and purpose through counseling, medication, and other treatments.

Instead of trying to end your life, come to Adelphi, and we’ll help you find a new one.

News Feed from Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic

Source: Straits Times, September 18, 2016