Lost in Singapore

Ask a Therapist Signs and Symptoms
1

I have Graves’ disease and I’m out of job for a year plus… I have opportunities but rejected it becoz I feared it’s not the right one and might drag my condition worse. But the waiting have led to more depressed mood and the perspective from the judging at interview have made me less and less resilient and the vicious cycle made me feel stuck now… should I seek medical professional help ?

2

Hi @Aocg

Thank you coming forward with your experiences. It takes courage to share that you’re struggling with Graves’ disease, unemployment, and depression. It’s completely understandable to feel stuck and uncertain about your future.

Seeking Medical Professional Help

Yes, seeking medical professional help is highly recommended. A mental health professional can help you:

  1. Address depression: A therapist can work with you to develop coping strategies and techniques to manage depressive symptoms.
  2. Build resilience: A therapist can help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns, improving your resilience and confidence.
  3. Explore anxiety and fear: A therapist can help you understand and address the underlying fears and anxieties holding you back from pursuing job opportunities.
  4. Develop a growth mindset: A therapist can help you cultivate a growth mindset, focusing on learning and development rather than perfection.
  5. Manage stress: A therapist can teach you effective stress management techniques to help you cope with the pressures of job searching and managing your condition.

Additional Recommendations

  1. Support groups: Joining a support group for people with Graves’ disease or depression can connect you with others who understand your challenges. I found this resource and I hope it helps: https://gdatf.org/news-and-events/

  2. Job search strategies: Consider working with a career coach or counsellor to develop a job search strategy that takes into account your needs and limitations.

  3. Self-care: Prioritise self-care activities, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies, to help manage stress and improve your mood.

  4. Medication management: Ensure you’re working closely with your healthcare provider to manage your Graves’ disease treatment and adjust medications as needed.

Please know that seeking help is a sign of strength, and addressing your mental health is essential to managing your overall well-being.:heart:

3

Thanks for the recommendation but I don’t know where I can find the ‘right’ person.

I have approached the medical professional here and they don’t share any empathy towards my request thus, I only ‘use’ them for medication purposes only. I’m not going to be as open as before due to several bad experiences before.

I need the right person to get me out but I couldn’t find it. Please point me to the exact place to seek assistance.

4

Hi @Aocg

Thank you for reaching out. I am sad to hear about your bad experiences in the past. Please do not be discouraged. There are many caring mental health professionals out there and sometimes it takes a longer time to find one who has the right fit.

I suggest you could consider calling the IMH hotline at 63892222 and consult them. You can also go to the polyclinic and request a referral. For immediate support, an option would be to call the SOS hotline at 1800221 4444 to provide emotional support.

Please stay optimistic. Remember you had several job offers which is a good sign of your employability. May I encourage you to work with the career coach on how best to position yourself during the interview. Speak to the hiring manager when you get your next job offer and spend time educating them on the support you need; and find out more about how they can support you. Please keep going and take tiny steps forward and I believe in time there will be progress towards reaching your goals. :heart:

5

The bad experience is from the medical bureaucracy system in Singapore and I’m not using it again. I can’t demand empathy when there is none. Thanks but no thanks for all the contact list.
I do not need a career coach, because what you have written is not from the real world. If you did tell any employer you are unwell, ill or handicapped, you will have limited or no chances at all. So please, what I do need is opportunities, if you can show me a place where I can get more opportunities, it is more than welcome and I don’t need no coaching. Thanks you