Depression while NS

last SG · 2008-08-24T09:28:24+00:00

i do not wanna let people know about this problem i have. esp those closest to me, ie family, i don wan give them stress. as for friends, not tat nice too ri...

gohysteria SG

Hi desperatelyextreme

I am a Singaporean psychologist who now works in Australia.

Been a long time since I ORD, and I'm not too familiar with how the SAF Counselling Centre works. Seems like you feel that talking to your officers or MO is not going to work. Likely because they are 'part of the problem' (Just my postulation, but I believe most of the forummers here would agree some officers can be a pain in the arse). One option available is to go see a private counsellor on weekends when you book out. I don't think you need to see a psychiatrist at this stage. There are counsellors in non-profit agencies, e.g family service centres, or those in private practices. Every one has his own unique experience undergoing NS. Sometimes it is not just about gritting your teeth and getting through it like how 'the others' did. Each of us carry our own past experiences in life, and these can have profound impact on the way we cope with NS. Also, I understand not everyone have a supportive family they can turn to. As for confidentiality, don't worry. Counsellors are bounded by their professional ethics to keep your information private. Of course there are exceptions. In your case given you mentioned suicide ideation there is a duty of care to break that confidentiality if necessary to ensure your physical and emotional safety. Without your permission, and if not in contrary to duty of care, the private counsellor you see do not have to and can not inform your officers you've been to see him/her. I cringed when I read that the person you spoke to on the SAF Hotline behaved so unprofessionally. I am sure you will get better service and understanding from counsellors outside SAF.

Nikar 3 SG

yeah, TS should go see an outside doctor.

i personally never see MO during my 2 years of NS cos' i don't trust those farkers.

it's like they have diploma level only and their attitude / service really sucks and i rather pay S$35 to see outside clinic doctor.

and don't trust the SAF hotline or counsellors......find outside ones.

SAF counsellors, you can more or less expect the attitude.

and you must keep telling yourself to live life day by day, DO NOT LOOK ahead!!!!!

yes, in life, we must plan for the future, but you're in NS now, and if you look ahead and plan far, you will go crazy because you're hating every day of your life now.

sometimes in my NS life back then, i was something like you, but i live day by day, and then, before i knew it, 1 month gone.....and after some times, 6 months gone....

i can tell you that after your NS has passed 1 year, the remaining 1 year will be easy, because around the 10th month or so, you'll be clearing all your off-in-lieu, leave, entitled off etc.....plus the public holidays, sats and suns......and you're left with only 8.5 - 9 months.

and you also need to get a life outside camp after your booking out.

like when you book out sat, you should take up some hobbies you like, like Wow or DOTA gaming etc.

too much escapism is not good, but escapism and fantasy can really relieve your stress and if you don't get obsess with them, they can solve a lot of your stress.

really must integrate some escapism into your life and it's what helped people like me pass NS.

and taunts and verbal abuse is very common......will get much lesser once you become lao jioa, don't worry.

the one thing you should never do is : DO NOT BECOME A 2ND DAVE TEO!!!!!!!

it's the worst farking mistake any NSF can make in life and it's not worth it.

do this for SAF?????!!!!!!! PUI!!!!!!

Rednano SG