PHP Learning Journey 2017, by Ianni Sancia Tan Ning, 18S03C, Peer Helper Batch 2017

PHP Learning Journey 2017

In April 2017, the Peer Helpers were fortunate enough to be able to visit the Singapore Management University (SMU), which has a well-established peer helper programme, and the Institution of Mental Health (IMH), as part of the RI Peer Helper’s Programme. Both Learning Journeys were incredibly eye opening.

The first stop was SMU’s Mrs Wong Kwok Leong Student Wellness Centre. We were shown around by our friendly guide Mr. Wesley Sng, who was the teacher-in-charge of the SMU Peer Helpers. The Centre was fairly spacious, and housed an impressive array of gadgets and items that could be used for students simply relax and hang out with friends after a hectic day at school. There were comfortable sofas surrounding a table with magazines and books, a playstation set complete with several video game titles stored neatly nearby, and even a Cozy Haven complete with massage chairs and board games. Peer Helpers and counsellors man the Centre, and are available should students wish to speak to someone. The goal of the Centre is to provide students with an avenue to de-stress and bond with each other over enjoyable activities. In fact, the Centre was what inspired Ms. Chua Kah Hwee and Ms. Woo Mei Hui to set up My Rest Space right here in RI!

Next up, we headed to the encouragement wall at the SMU library which was set up by the SMU Peer Helpers. Post-it notes with encouraging notes were arranged to form an outline of Iron Man. This was meant to serve as encouragement for students who had spent long hours studying or feverently researching in the library during the stressful examination period.

Afterwards, we visited the Institution of Mental Health (IMH). We were given a talk by Ms. Mahita Vas, who had been previously diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and now volunteers as a mental health advocate at IMH. She talked about how her disorder had gone undiagnosed for years, with the mania that she had experienced fuelling her work as a group business director at an international advertising firm (which required long hours and a great deal of brainstorming), yet causing her to get incredibly angry at certain situations. One such example was when she had lost her cool when speaking to a colleague, and started to yell obscenities at her. She discussed the stigma related to mental health issues and her rough road to recovery. She is now a published author, and wrote a book about her experiences entitled “Praying to the Goddess of Mercy: A Memoir of Mood Swings”. Her sharing session was heartfelt and inspiring, and certainly gave us a deeper insight into what it is like to be diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.

We were also given a tour of IMH. We were able to see the ward and communal living area where patients are allowed to watch television, use the computer and socialise in, the garden where patients are allowed to walk through and relax in, and the day rehabilitation centre where patients are provided with materials such as paint and clay as part of their therapy and recovery.

Finally, we were led to a museum that showcased older methods of treatment for mental health conditions, and some old pictures of what IMH used to look like.

Overall, the trip was just as fruitful as it was eye-opening.

By Ianni Sancia Tan Ning, 18S03C

Peer Helper Batch 2017