February 18, 2025

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Breaking the Stigma: Cassandra Chiu’s Journey as a Mental Health Advocate and Counselor in Singapore

Mental health has been a largely ignored issue in Singapore for generations. Along with the country’s high standards for academic and professional achievements, its citizens have long been expected to suppress feelings of anxiety, depression or other mental illnesses in order to conform with societal norms. However, this harmful emphasis on productivity and success has led to a secretive and stigmatized attitude towards mental health, alienating those who are struggling and depriving them of access to support and resources. In response to this pressing issue, mental health advocates like Cassandra Chiu have emerged in Singapore to break the stigma and promote mental wellness.

As a mental health advocate and counselor, Cassandra has been a major voice in raising awareness about mental health issues in Singapore. Cassandra’s journey began when she was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes hypermobility, chronic pain and fatigue. Instead of letting her condition define or limit her, Cassandra used her experiences to become a mental health advocate and empower others.

1. Cassandra Chiu’s background and qualifications in mental health advocacy and counseling in Singapore.

Cassandra Chiu is a well-known mental health advocate and counselor in Singapore, who has been passionately committed to the cause of mental health awareness and education for over a decade. She pursued her education at the National University of Singapore, where she earned a Bachelor of Psychology degree in 2006. She subsequently went on to attain a Master of Arts in Counseling at Monash University in Australia, where she developed her skills in counseling and psychotherapy. Cassandra has been recognized for her contributions to mental health advocacy, winning multiple awards from various organizations, including the Singapore Health Inspirational Patient and Caregiver Award in 2017. Through her extensive experience in counseling and mental health awareness, Cassandra has emphasized the importance of encouraging individuals to get help through private counseling services to overcome mental health issues, breaking down the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health concerns.

2. The importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues and how Chiu’s work is contributing to this effort.

Cassandra Chiu, a mental health advocate and counselor in Singapore, has made significant efforts to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues. The stigma surrounding mental health is a pervasive issue in Singapore, with many people feeling ashamed or embarrassed to seek help. This can cause individuals to suffer in silence and prevent them from getting the help they need. Chiu’s work as a counselor and advocate has helped to educate the public about mental health and reduce the fear and discrimination associated with mental health issues by emphasizing the importance of seeking help through private counselling. Through her work, Chiu aims to empower individuals to take control of their mental health and encourage them to seek help when they need it without fear of shame or embarrassment.

3. Chiu’s advice for individuals struggling with their own mental health or seeking support for their loved ones.

When it comes to seeking support for mental health struggles, Cassandra Chiu, a Singaporean mental health advocate and counselor, recommends get help through private counselling. Chiu emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help instead of relying solely on self-help techniques. She suggests that individuals struggling with their own mental health or seeking support for their loved ones start by finding a qualified mental health professional who they feel comfortable with. Chiu encourages individuals not to be afraid to ask their potential counselor about their qualifications and experience. Additionally, Chiu emphasizes that therapy is not a one-off cure-all solution, but rather a journey that requires time and consistency to see results. Seeking private counselling can provide individuals with the support, guidance, and resources necessary to overcome mental health challenges and break the negative stigma surrounding mental health discussions in Singapore.

In conclusion, Cassandra Chiu’s story is a powerful reminder that mental illness does not discriminate, and that everyone deserves access to the care they need. Her journey from a personal battle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to becoming a mental health advocate and counselor in Singapore is an inspiring one. As a society, we need to continue breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health, supporting those who are struggling, and working towards creating a world where mental wellness is a priority. Cassandra’s work and dedication to mental health advocacy is truly commendable, and we can all learn from her example.