A Caregiver's Journey:
How CREST Allkin Singapore uplifted Carolynn
I knew that I was burnt out, and on the verge of a serious breakdown. That’s when I decided to take the first step to seek support.
Carolynn became the sole breadwinner for her family and caregiver for her elderly mother (who showed signs of having dementia) soon after her father’s passing.
“I couldn’t understand why my mom was being difficult, and we often argued. I felt guilty about feeling this way, especially when my son and my mom could only depend on me. It was a heavy burden to bear on my own. My caseworker from CREST enabled me to better care for and communicate with my mother, find ways to enhance my mental health, and connected me with a community that made me realise I wasn’t on this journey alone.”
Through CREST, Carolynn discovered a community of fellow caregivers who comforted and uplifted one another through their experiences. She not only gained new insights, but was able to also inspire others by sharing her own journey.
Caring for Caregivers:
How Fei Yue AAC and CREST worked together to support Mdm Rosita
A day in my life? I take care of my husband by helping him around the house, and providing any assistance he needs.
A 69-year-old retiree, Mdm Rosita had quit her job of nine years to become a caregiver for her wheelchair-bound husband, who has a history of stroke and frequent falls.
“Taking care of him was a 24/7 job. I was so tired, and didn’t have any time to rest. Whenever my husband needed to use the toilet at night, I would have to wake up a few times to help him. I couldn’t hang out with my friends as much either.”
With the responsibility of caring for her husband, along with a lack of sufficient rest and social support, Mdm Rosita’s mental health suffered and she started having suicidal thoughts.
“Thankfully, a social worker at MHPC NHGP (Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic) referred my husband to day care at Fei Yue AAC. Now, he gets to enjoy the activities in day care instead of doing nothing at home. I also have more time for myself now!”
Mdm Rosita was linked to CREST Fei Yue Community Services, who provided her with emotional support and explored a long-term care plan with her. She also registered for respite care services for two weeks so she could visit her family overseas while her husband was cared for at a nursing home.
“Going back to Indonesia to see my family was something I didn’t know I could do before. I’m very thankful for the support that I have received.”
Giving Hope to Youths:
How YIT SAMH supported Shannon
The death of my grandfather in 2016 was the catalyst for my declining mental health.
Shannon felt her world falling apart when her grandfather — her only confidante and protector in life — passed away. In the following year, she became a victim of sexual assault. A few years later, Shannon experienced constant bullying at school and suffered anxiety attacks. As she struggled with the motivation to study, Shannon decided to drop out of school.
“I was left all alone, with no one to turn to.”
“Instead of feeling relieved when I left school, it was the saddest point in my life and I felt suicidal. I was on the verge of taking my own life when I received a call from Zi Ling, a case worker from Youth Integrated Team (YIT) Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH). It was the first time that I truly felt listened to. Until this day, I feel extremely grateful as without that call, I might not be here today.”
Shannon began meeting Zi Ling frequently for counselling sessions. Zi Ling also invited Shannon to events planned by YIT SAMH, where she could engage in meaningful interactions with the community.
“The validation and support that I received from YIT SAMH has tremendously improved my life by giving me the courage to accept myself for who I am, without shame. Through counselling, I have learned to identify symptoms of oncoming anxiety attacks, and techniques to alleviate them.”
Caring for Caregivers:
How Bedok Polyclinic and Club HEAL supported Mdm Hadijah
I felt at a loss and burnt out caring for my mother with dementia. I didn’t know what to do or where to get help.
When Mdm Hadijah’s mother was diagnosed with dementia in 2018, nobody in her family knew what to expect as her caregivers.
The 64-year-old retiree explained, “It is difficult to take care of a dementia patient because sometimes, their behaviour and actions are erratic. It can be challenging when you do not have much knowledge in how to care for them.”
“My mother’s doctor at Bedok Polyclinic referred me to COMIT Club HEAL. Through their caregiver support groups, I found emotional support and picked up caregiving skills that have helped me immensely.”
In 2021, when Club HEAL started a caregiver support group, the team reached out to Mdm Hadijah through her mother’s counsellor and invited her to join them. Mdm Hadijah became an active member in the support group, attending events regularly. Today, she is a Caregiver Advocate supporting other caregivers and helping out at Club HEAL’s events.
“The programme provided by Club HEAL is very beneficial and has helped to reduce the stress and burden I felt. It is important that those who need help come forward to get it.”
Dealing with Depression:
How Aftercare and COMIT supported Ivan
My financial decisions triggered my depression and I was constantly afraid that something bad will happen.
Guilt-stricken for causing financial hardship to his family, Ivan felt so depressed that he found it hard to carry out his job. Eventually, he even developed suicidal thoughts. He visited a GP clinic to get medication for depression. Here, his doctor made the call to refer Ivan to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH) Psychiatry Specialist Outpatient Clinic (SOC).
Ivan saw a psychiatrist specialist doctor at NTFGH and received psychiatric assessment, diagnosis and treatment. Ivan’s psychiatrist specialist doctor also referred him to see a psychologist for psychotherapy.
“I received tremendous support from my Case Management Officer (CMO) at NTFGH who followed up closely with me on my progress and linked me up with a community counsellor, who helped me to understand my mental health condition better.”
While he was undergoing treatment at NTFGH, Ivan consented to be referred to community partner COMIT Viriya Community Services for counselling support and crisis management.
COMIT Viriya has since been working closely with Ivan’s CMO to manage his condition. With the combination of adhering to his treatment plan, receiving support from his family and having strong intrinsic motivation to get better, Ivan made significant progress in his recovery journey. After six months, his mental health stabilised and he also gained greater awareness of his condition. NTFGH’s Psychiatry team is currently following up with Ivan for regular medication and he has since returned to the workforce.
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