Voices from Our Community: I Got You Series

Michelle is mom to six children aged 13 to 27 years old, an occupational therapist, a parenting coach, and an entrepreneur who is passionate about advocating for mental health and suicide awareness. She credits the support of a whole village in enabling her to raise her family while founding three companies. Here she shares her reflections around an unexpected connection and how it saved a life, seeking the right help, and leaning on community…

Describe a significant moment or time when you were able to show up for someone and say ‘I got you’?

I needed the help of an acquaintance to have a look at the social media posts my consultant had sent through. I was about to text her, but suddenly felt the prompting to give her a call instead. These days, we are so uncomfortable with picking up the phone to have a real conversation!

As we chatted, we moved past the work at hand, and the conversation progressed as she opened up about the struggles she had been facing. We ended up talking the whole morning until she realised it was time for her to pick her kids from school. 

She shared that she might be suffering from depression and that particular morning, she couldn’t pull herself out of bed. Thoughts of doing something drastic had also entered her mind. She did not have anyone to confide in and she wasn’t coping well at all. 

She was grateful for my call and making the time to talk to her despite us only getting acquainted recently. I’m glad I decided to push through that initial hesitation, and made the effort to create a real connection.

In your journey helping children and families thrive, what is one unconventional or lesser-known truth about mental health that you wish more people knew about?

Sometimes when I suggest to people that they need to seek help, they tell me that they have tried it and it did not work. I wish people would give themselves another chance and not close off the option of getting professional help because of a past mismatch finding a suitable counsellor or therapist.

What has been your experience leaning on community as both a mental health and suicide awareness advocate, and in your personal journey?

I have been blessed all my life with many angels crossing my path, having people I could lean on during difficult times. I don’t hesitate to accept help as I know this is a circle of life, and I am more than willing to help others in any way I can.

My most challenging time was during SARS when we closed our first business and lost a huge sum of money. I had three young kids and was pregnant with my fourth then. On top of that, my husband was suddenly called into full time National Service duties. 

Things were chaotic and overwhelming and I used to seek refuge in my neighbour’s house - she is a fellow mum I had just gotten to know then, and no matter what time of day it was, she would always be there to extend a listening ear, a piece of cake, and practical help like giving me a ride to work.

What are three things you practise as part of your mental wellbeing journey?

1. I practise extensive self care on a daily, monthly and yearly basis: This includes time in nature in silence, connecting with like-minded people to multiply positivity, and practising spirituality which is my source of strength.

   

2. I am mindful in keeping my personal boundaries of space and time so I don’t overextend myself.

3. I know that I can exercise full autonomy in how I choose to spend my time and energy. This allows me to do the things which I am good at and have interest in, and delegate the rest.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Michelle!

Read the other features from the ‘I Got You’ series
Joline Lim: Director of Chapter Zero and parenting coach shares the key to building resilience in our children

Aditya Kapoor: Educator and former robotics engineer shares why the way we show up for kids matter, and the secret to raising truly confident boys

Andrew Tan: Country Manager of Wantedly and co-founder of Asia Startup Network, shares how wellbeing and giving back drives a company’s mission and leads to business success

About the ‘I Got You’ series

We all need someone in our corner. And as we are accepted for who we are, we can then be that someone for others. The “I Got You” series is a nod to how interconnected our mental wellness and community are.  As part of Over-The-Rainbow’s milestone launching our Academy, we brought together cherished partners from our ecosystem in a meaningful sharing of lessons and reflections around their wellbeing journeys and the role that community had in it.

A note from The OTR Academy

After 13 years supporting youths and families, Over-The-Rainbow has launched our Academy with  a first-of-its-kind program where individuals can now join and practice with the largest community of like-minded practitioners and professionals. 

The journey in mental wellbeing begins with you, the moment you decide to take ownership of your own wellbeing. As a trained Wellbeing Champion and Wellbeing Mentor, you are at the heart of your own wellbeing circle and in a pole position to provide support for the wellbeing of your friends, your loved ones, and those in your immediate network.

Take charge today. Enrol and apply for a seat at the OTR Academy - and get certified to be a Wellbeing Champion!