Hi Gilbert,

Allow me to thank you for starting a service like this for the needy. Honestly, I felt somewhat better knowing that someone is actually listening to people with a variety of problems.

I would like to apologize for my English as it may sound detached and filled with plenty of grammatical errors as this is written with not a very clear mind of mine.

My name is Mike  and I am 37. I hold a diploma and is currently persuing a part time degree which I am very unsure if it will do me any good. I have actually just resign from my contract job without any alternatives as I don’t think my mental state can sustain in the longer run. From the moment I joined, I have not been able to motivate myself, resulting in me freezing over my job, making mistakes and not being able to concentrate at all.

All these brought back bad memories of what has happened 4 years back where I did the same thing and as a result end up without a job for a year plus. I firmly believe I was in depression during my unemployment period and has not been able to recover from it since. It has been a very torrid time for me as I was in financial difficulties. Although I very much wanted to seek help, I do not know where to turn to and knowing that it would be expensive. And so, I try to self cure which I don’t think I have attempt successfully.

My wife was in a state of shock then to even realize that I might need help from my condition as she is burdened with the bulk of the household expenses. Honestly, I am very sorry for all the problems created by me but I just couldn’t snap out of it.

Right now, I am so worried that history might repeat itself. And never a day I never ask myself why I am behaving like this, what do I need to do to get out of this trap?

Well, the other day I chanced upon a newspaper article on how overdosing of paracetemol can end one’s life and to my amazement, I felt relieved knowing that a drug so easily available is within my grasp if things spiral out of control.

It has become very meaningless for me to fight my demon day in and out. And I am getting very very weary. Is there a place where I can run to? Or a place that allows me to go into permanent hibernation?

I am determined not to end it but I am really tired. But one thing for sure, I do need help and I would greatly appreciate if you could point me the direction.

Thanks again Gilbert for entertaining me.

Mike

**********

Hi Mike,

Thanks for your mail and I guess you came to the right place.

Transitioning.org was set up in 2008 to assist displaced executives like you to get back on their feet again.

We also have a stream of services available and my take is that you probably  need to see one of our volunteer coaches to point you the way.

I will arrange one for you asap.

We have also volunteer counsellors at your disposal if you need to see one in future.

All our services are free of charge to fellow Singaporeans.

On another note, I have received quite a few emails lately from well qualified Singaporeans like you who suffered from depression and work stress.

Some have even took their own lives but thankfully they survived the attempt.

Prolonged unemployment can lead to emotional hiccup, low self esteem and a sense of hopelessness.

One fast way out if to take on any work just to get out the house and doing something actively. Another way is to volunteer your time so that you feel “wanted” again.

When you help someone else in need you feel good yourself.

Did you also approach the help of a doctor who can prescribe medication for you to stabilise your condition?

We wont know what’s hurting us if we don’t seek medical attention.

My question to you is whether do you want to succumb to your emotional ordeal or learn how to fight your way out?

I am also glad that you have a supportive wife who stands by your side and you owe it to her to get back on your feet again.

Of course, I am glad that you have chosen to seek help by writing to us. It’s a clear sign that you want to recover and be a better person again.

Lastly, I seek your permission to post this mail on my blog so that we can learn from one naother.

You have seen the tons fo emails posted on my blog and they are people who willingly allowed their stories to be shared so that others can benefit from their condition.

Take care and stay strong.

We wont allow you to walk alone.

We are here for you – always.

Gilbert

PS: We will be arranging a career coach to see Mike soon.