#NoOneToldMe That My Worth Comes From Knowing Who I Am Deeply
Since birth, my identity has been tied to another's. As an identical twin, it’s common to be seen as one. #NoOneToldMe that I could learn so much more about myself my embracing and exploring my individuality.
At 16, I realized I was a people pleaser. I'd always jostled with trying to step into my own, versus going along just to get along. It was early in my young adult years when I started to accept the importance of acknowledging and understanding the things *I* need. Despite a lack of support and encouragement, recognising this brokenness drove me to seek help for my mental health.
No one told me how much of a relief it would be to receive my diagnosis for #MDD. I was finally able to meet my inner child and embrace her with a warm hug and a whisper that said ‘it’s ok.’
I know I’m not alone when I say that no one told me I could continuously discover who I am throughout the course of my life. I don’t need to have it all figured out right now. It’s such a wild thing to realize so well into adulthood. Living and growing up in Singapore, I was in a society that developed from a third world nation to a first world nation in a short period of time. While I am naturally one to find the silver lining, as I start to care for my mind; I grapple with the negative aspects that society has etched itself deep into my life, along with a sense of self-worth. As I grow and heal each day, I realise that I have to unpack the parts of me that have been (consciously or subconsciously) affected by our present world, in order to really see myself for who I am, not who I was told to be.
#noonetoldme , but now I know.
It takes an average of 10 years for a person suffering from a psychiatric disorder to seek help. Half of which start before the age of 14. Each year spent suffering in silence, is a year lost.
This #mentalhealthawarenessmonth, I'm proud to partner with @madeofmillions_ for their #NoOneToldMe campaign focused on bringing awareness to the treatment gap — the long, avoidable years so many of us spend suffering in silence. Learn more at madeofmillions.com.
If you're in Singapore and experiencing a crisis, call the national care hotline 1800-202-6868
If you’re in Malaysia and experiencing a crisis, call Befrienders +603-79568145
If you're in the U.S. and experiencing a crisis, text MADE to 741741 for free, 24/7 support
If you're in Canada and experiencing a crisis, text HELLO to 686868 for free, 24/7 support
If you're in the U.K. and experiencing a crisis, text HELLO to 85258 for free, 24/7 support
