recently i’ve been prescribed something new to manage my POTS, side effects of which include weight gain, acne, feelings of depression etc. now obviously nobody would want to experience this, but i’ve been struggling immensely with my mental health and self image that i dont know if i can handle the acne and weight gain stuff on top of my disordered habits and low self esteem.
that’s just life though i guess, im upset that i don’t have anybody i feel like i can tell this to. even when i’m just updating my teachers on my condition, its always met with skepticism and apprehension that even i’m wondering if i’ve been faking it all along. something i keep thinking is that i need to look as sick as i am in the head, but that never ends well
i have friends, but none of them i feel like i can talk about anything close to what im feeling without feeling like in just trying to garner sympathy when i don’t deserve it. seeking professional help isn’t an option for me either. i dont knoww
Look for POTS support group in sg. Theres definitely a lot of pots ppl
Hi @user8719,
What you’re describing makes a lot of sense as a reaction to being put in a really difficult position. Managing a chronic condition, starting a medication with very real side effects, and at the same time already feeling vulnerable about your mental health and body image. It’s understandable that the thought of weight changes or acne feels overwhelming when you’re already trying to hold everything together.
It sounds like you’re carrying multiple stressors at once, and not feeling safe enough to talk about them is making it heavier.
Even if private therapy feels out of reach right now, there are still professional pathways in Singapore that are much more accessible than people often realise. The Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs), run by social service agencies, are designed exactly for situations like this. Where someone needs support but cost, access, or uncertainty are barriers, CMHTs can help.
They are provided free-of-charge, in comparison to the high costs of private therapy rates. I’ve also compiled a list of community support options you can look at, including informal support groups and zero-cost peer support programmes.
These can be a starting point for having at least one space where what you’re experiencing can be spoken about without it needing to feel like you’re being judged or dismissed.
For more information on the Community Mental Health Teams, visit this webpage: mindline.sg | Free Mental Health Resources & Mindfulness Tools in Singapore
For more information on the community support groups, view the attached PDF file.
List of Community Support Groups in Singapore.pdf (76.6 KB)