How are you, really? It's a deceptively simple question, but one that can be so hard to answer. With Christmas and New Year celebrations just over and Chinese New Year around the corner, this period brings with it an expectation for everyone to be up for the festivities and have a smile on their face. In reality, this season can be a lonely and confronting time of year, and some of us often struggle being mentally or physically present during this festive season.
In Singapore, 1 in 3 teenagers suffer from depression, anxiety and loneliness, and more than half (55%) of Singaporeans say they have felt stressed to the point where it had an impact on their daily lives (source: TodayOnline.com and Ipsos.com, 2023). No one is immune to mental health struggles yet the stigma to accessing help remains strong.
" We know that the holidays can be a challenging time for many, and the pressure to appear positive and pretend everything is 'fine', even if it's not, is particularly strong at this time of year. "
As we welcome in the new year, The Social Space is launching a mental health campaign from Saturday, 20th January to Friday, 9th February 2024 to encourage everyone to reflect and open up about how they're really feeling, and to check on others over the festive period - the age-old "how are you, really?" question goes a long way, and asking twice makes a difference.
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ACTIVITIES IN TSS
😄 How Are You, Really? 😥
When is the last time you honestly answered the question, "How Are You, Really?".
For the next 3 weeks, we'll be displaying 3 glass jars tagged with 3 different emotions at our cafe counters, as well as a small jar of coffee beans. During the campaign period, we're asking you to be true to yourself and place a coffee bean into one of the three jars which reflects how you are currently feeling.
This experiment serves as a form of self-awareness by allowing you to step back and reflect on your true feelings, as well as act as a visual representation of the true and current state of the general public's mental well-being, raising awareness that we're not alone in our feelings and that it's ok to not be ok.
☕️ A Pick-Me-Up Drink ☕️
During this campaign period, we'll be adding on a small note of encouragement with all beverages served at our cafes.
Regardless of whether you are feeling good or bad, we hope this little note will brighten your day and make you realize that there's someone rooting for you! And if the little note did manage to bring a smile to your face, why not pay it forward and pass it on to someone else who may also need a little pick-me-up!
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MENTAL WELLNESS WORKSHOPS & OPEN DISCUSSIONS
As we encourage you to take steps to care for your mental health, we have also partnered with organizations with similar goals of de-stigmatizing mental health and lined up some activities to help you kick-start your journey towards mental well-being.
🌈 Mental Health Pop-up by Us Therapy
Join us in a free mental health pop-up! Walk in to our cafes and meet with a clinical psychologist to have an open conversations about any issues regarding mental health, personal growth, and well-being; such as: relationship challenges, overcoming obstacles in life, or building healthy habits in the new year.
Sat 27 Jan, 12-2pm (Duo) & Sun 28 Jan, 1-3pm (Kreta Ayer). Just walk in!
🗣️ Managing Toxic Overachievement & Mental Health by Us Therapy
In this fast paced society, there seems to be a lot pressure to always be on top of things. However, we are only humans, not robots. Join us in an open discussion with Ariel Ko, Clinical Psychologist from Us Therapy to discuss the topic of toxic overachievement culture and it's impact on our mental health.
Sat 27 Jan, 10-12pm (Duo). Sign up here!
☀️ Reframing for Constructive Responses by Happiness Initiative
Happiness Initiative is having an open session with their signature card game 'Let's Unpack This.' Join us as we learn about negative emotions and beliefs and reframe them positively while using the ABC model.
Sun 28 Jan, 3-4pm (Kreta Ayer). Sign up here!
🌧️ Coping with the Holiday Blues by iASH
The holiday season can be stressful for the most part, but the question is "how do we cope during the holiday season?" Join IASH for another "Kopi Chats" session where we will discuss the significance of the holiday season and find ways to support each other during this time of the year!
Sat 3 Feb, 1-4pm (Duo). Sign up here!
🎨 Wellness Abstract Art Workshop & Brunch by LACA Art Academy
Let your creative juices flow and immerse yourself in a world of creation. Engaging with abstract art can help you ease your mind and release your inner Child. Learn new perspectives through the strokes and vibrant hues as you paint, followed by a wholesome brunch at The Social Space.
Sun 4 Feb, 9.30am - 12pm (Kreta Ayer). Sign up here!
✨ Mental Health for Mindful Entrepreneurship by Launchpad
Launchpad is having a signature speed networking event for conscious entrepreneurs, but with a twist! Take this opportunity to network with like-minded, ethics-led entrepreneurs while navigating a conversation around mental health in entrepreneurship.
Wed 7 Feb , 10-12pm (Duo). Sign up here!
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SELF-CARE DAY AT KRETA AYER
Take time out for yourself and spend a self-care day in our 'hood! 🧘♀️ Here's a list of some amazing neighboring businesses that offer activities that can nourish your soul and promote mental wellness.
Just remember - self-care is not selfish! When you regularly take care of yourself, you are better able to react to the daily stressors that go on in our lives, and maintain positive well-being. 👍
🕯️ Candle Making Workshop at The Rituals Co.
Sign up for a candle making workshop and experience aromatherapy, a healing treatment that uses natural plant botanicals and crystals that helps promote health and well-being.
Find them at: 333 Kreta Ayer Road, #02-32
👩🏻🎨 Art Workshops at LACA Art Academy
Engaging with art is a great way to get in tune with your emotions and feel at peace. Express yourself and free your mind at various art workshops such as sketching, watercolour to oil painting. Find your desired art style and paint away!
Find them at: 333 Kreta Ayer Road, #02-34
🧘♀️ Yoga for Mental Health by Health Yoga.
They always say a healthy body leads to a healthy mind. So why don't we take this opportunity to focus on taking care of our body? Joining a yoga lessons can help raise an individual's awareness to improve mental and emotional wellness.
Find them at: 31B Kreta Ayer Road
💅🏻 Mindful Manicures at The Nail Social
If you find yourself needing a little pampering, treat yourself to a well-deserved mani-pedi session. Take this time to relax and let go of the real world stresses. They even have movies, games, books and podcasts for you to enjoy during the sessions.
Find them at: 333 Kreta Ayer Road, #02-15
🍵 Tea Blending Workshop at ETTE Tea Company
Go through a tea blending workshop and explore the benefits of various teas. While learning about tea blending you will also get to experience with the wonderous aromas and tastes. Each participants will also get to bring back their creations!
Find them at: 333 Kreta Ayer Road, #03-25
🏋🏻 Group Workout at PushPullGive
Move yourself happy! Nothing quite boosts your mood faster than a great sweat session. Join the friendly and qualified trainers at fellow social enterprise PushPullGive for a group workout to a fitter and stronger you. No experience needed!
Find them at: 31A Kreta Ayer Road
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📌 RESOURCES 📌
Are you or someone you know struggling? Here are some resources to learn more about mental health and take the next steps to learn coping skills, seek support or help a loved one.
1. Hear Buds by iASH (Completely Free!)
Are you going through a tough time and just need a listening ear? Hear Buds is a FREE one-to-one real time 40 minutes chat session, through video, call or text with a trained peer volunteer, where you can talk about your struggles or any specific problem in your life. No judgement, no advice, no over-talking - just real heart-to-heart listening. Sometimes, all we really want is someone to talk to and to lend a listening ear.
2. Affordable Therapy by iASH
Are you a youth looking to speak to a professional? iASH counsellors and therapists are experienced private practitioners who offer subsidised therapy services, either in-person or over zoom. They also provide further subsidies such as the Special Subsidy fund for youths in special circumstances.
You are not alone, and help is always available! If you or someone you know need immediate support, please reach out to....
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