I never thought I'll ever do a media interview in Mandarin, but today I stepped out of my comfort zone. And that's a win! 🌟 I'm really grateful to Beyond The Label for building my confidence by providing me with multiple platforms to share my story to break mental health stigma.
Beyond The Label (BTL) is a nationwide movement, initiated by National Council of Social Service and co-led by TOUCH Community Services, to address the stigma against mental health conditions and promote social inclusion for persons living with mental health conditions. As a BTL Ambassador, I will be sharing my personal story in BTL events or requests to encourage others facing similar struggles to speak up and seek help.
When I shared with my colleagues that I've been confirmed as a BTL ambassador, they were elated for me! Honestly, I was surprised when my manager even shared with our Global team!
"Congratulations, Wendy, this is a well-deserved recognition of the courage and inspiration that you have demonstrated in the mental health space across the region – I fully support you on this journey"
"This is amazing, Wendy! Thanks for doing what you do for our community!"
"Awesome, Wendy! What a recognition!"
"I want to personally extend my congratulations for being named a Beyond the Label Ambassador. Your voice in this space is absolutely critical, as I am – as I’m sure are many - enlightened and inspired by your posts on these topics. It takes courage to share such deeply personal experiences, and I admire you very much. You are truly making a difference. I hope your voice will be further amplified with this larger platform. Congratulations again!"
"What great recognition for Wendy! Please extend our congrats from the U.S."
As a BTL ambassador, I hope to use my lived experiences to help build respectful workplaces where everyone feels safe and valued. So much of our lives are spent at work.
Furthermore, not everyone have great home environments. Some people may be experiencing domestic violence, psychological abuse, family members with addiction issues, etc.
Or maybe it's a first-time mother experiencing post-partum depression while struggling to care for her newborn.
Or a young graduate or a mid-career professional recently laid off sending out hundreds of resume, anxious for a response.
These individuals may or may not have a diagnosed mental health condition, but that does not mean their struggles and concerns are any less. There are so many of us where PERCEIVED threat activates our fight or flight response on a daily basis, preventing good rest and recuperation.
Mental health is everyday. It's on a spectrum. The good, the bad, and you probably wouldn't want to see the ugly. But that's an everyday reality for many of us. Just that it's not out in the open. Just that we kept it well hidden behind a mask.
If you're an employer
Know that people with mental health conditions can also make positive contributions to the workplace and society. Look at Project Dignity. Look at me. Many of us are concerned with employability and financial security, and I hope you do look beyond the label.
And, "scold first teach later" doesn't work anymore ever since we Millennials flooded the workforce by the mid-2000s. So, if you notice any outdated practices in your organization, you might find the 7 lessons I have to share to be very helpful for multigenerational collaboration.
If you're a parent or a caregiver
Remember: you must take care of yourself first to be in prime condition to care for your loved ones. Self-care is a necessity, not a nice-to-do when you finally find time. Schedule it. Make it a routine. Self-care is not necessarily a spa visit, but it also includes doing the hard things like getting your finances in order, going for your health appointments.
If you're silently struggling
Sometimes the tunnel feels so dark that we can’t see that tiny flicker of light. But by taking one small step at a time, we realize there’s always been someone out there holding a candle, waiting to see us emerge. This person could be your loved one, a close friend, someone at work, someone in an online community, a care counsellor, a mental health professional, etc.
I, for one, am cheering for you.
Someone cares.
When you need support and guidance
A safe place you can turn to is ➡️ First stop for mental health https://mindline.sg/fsmh
And if you're in town this Friday and Saturday (12-13 September 2025), come over to the Beyond The Label Fest at Plaza Singapura (Dhoby Ghaut MRT). If you spot the socially anxious me at some of the sessions, please say Hi! 🥰 (Mandarin is okay too!)