On the surface, Zen Dylan Koh seemingly had everything. He came from a loving family and was popular amongst his peers. Yet, he struggled with anxiety and depression. This, coupled with other situational triggers, led to a fatal suicide attempt in Melbourne, where he was furthering his studies. Zen passed away on Oct 1 2018, just a month shy of his 18th birthday.
Here, we take an intimate look into a bedroom that Zen once shared with his younger brother, with details furnished with the help of his mother, Elaine.
On the surface, Zen Dylan Koh seemingly had everything. Yet, his struggles with anxiety and depression proved that mental illness does not discriminate.
A sociable and outgoing boy, there is no shortage of funny stories about Zen and his goofy sense of humour. He would smear a charcoal mask and scare the wits out of his housemates at midnight. On one occasion, he even let his friends wax his legs with hair removal strips.
Contrary to popular belief, not all people who suffer from depression display symptoms of despair. It’s common to mask sadness with a smile to hide inner turmoil and suffering.
The night before his suicide, Elaine had flown into Melbourne to check on Zen. However, upon arrival, he appeared to be his usual, loving self. They shared a cosy dinner and even continued to make plans for the following days, showing no sign that he was unwell. He took his own life later that night. If you think someone is struggling mentally, share your concerns and remind them that they’re not alone.
Once, Zen approached Elaine for an advance on his pocket money, explaining that he had given his calculator to a friend who couldn't afford one. Shortly after Zen's passing, that same friend shared how he would buy her food during recess or after school, encouraging her to choose whatever she wanted, regardless of cost.
During his lifetime, Zen also embarked on two mission trips with HELP Nepal in 2011 and 2016, when he was 10 and 16 respectively. There, he assisted with admin work and even helped out as a dental assistant. Today, his legacy of kindness lives on through the fund his parents set up in his name, and in the six people who received his donated organs.
When in Melbourne, Zen picked up skateboarding as a hobby. “He said that it makes him very happy. It was also how he moved around in the city,” Elaine says. The one pictured here – a favourite of his – was later immortalised in ink when Elaine had it tattooed in memory of Zen. Research shows that hobbies are linked to lower levels of depression by affecting the reward system in the brain through dopamine release, which is why patients are often advised to take up a hobby to improve their mental health.
In more serious cases, medication might be prescribed. However, caution must be exercised as it works differently for different people. As Zen’s mental health deteriorated, he was prescribed an anti-depressant that made his behaviour very erratic and ultimately contributed to his suicide. It’s important to be educated on possible side effects before taking antidepressants, including suicidal ideations, and to monitor for any unusual changes in behaviour at the start of treatment and when there are changes in dosage.
Elaine shared a particularly close bond with Zen due to a common interest in shopping and designer labels. She recalls many fond memories where they would huddle up at a computer screen and online shop together. At one point, Zen even aspired to work in fashion merchandising, just like his mum used to.
While many tend to associate mental illness with an unstable family situation, Zen lived a blessed life and was well-cared for, yet depression did not discriminate.
At his wake, Elaine would find out that many of his cousins and her relatives too, battled depression. Sadly, this genetic predisposition, compounded with a breakup and betrayal in college, set off his Generalised Anxiety Disorder and mental health struggles.
However, depression itself is a complex mental illness and genetics are one of many factors that contribute to it. More importantly, it can be treated with proper psychiatric help.
Like all of Zen’s belongings, this plushie is one of Elaine’s precious keepsakes, which she uses as an object of comfort and self-soothing every night in bed.
At Youthline, we often come across people who utilise comfort objects for therapeutic use. In some cases, we even recommend it. Studies have shown that such items lend psychological assistance by providing an anchor for their emotional attachments, and help improve one’s capacity to be alone. This can be particularly helpful when you find yourself dealing with major life changes or when experiencing trauma or a significant loss.
Today, Zen is remembered as a caring and helpful boy. Even as he battled with his own demons, he ‘counselled’ many of his friends who were also struggling. Unfortunately, it depleted him to the point where his own mental strength was weakened and exhausted.
To honour his lifetime wish of becoming a psychologist, his parents set up the Zen Dylan Koh fund, a non-profit organisation that helps support youths with mental health issues in need of therapy.
While comfort objects provide a tangible item that aids in emotional regulation, safe spaces can also exist in many forms. Youthline aims to create a safe, non-judgemental and confidential environment by providing a listening ear through its free counselling services. Call 64366612 or find out more about Youthline’s counselling services.
A natural athlete, Zen was adept at picking up any sport, be it hockey, soccer, rollerblading, golf, snow skiing or diving.
Pictured here are his hockey sticks and jacket from ACS, which Elaine still wears to this very day.
Research shows that people who are active have better mental health as exercise improves blood flow and increases oxygen supply to the brain. This has a positive impact on anxiety, depression and improves your mood and sleep. In general, physical activity is associated with improved quality of life. Take up a sport to help manage and support your mental health.
On the surface, Zen Dylan Koh seemingly had everything. He came from a loving family and was popular amongst his peers. Yet, he struggled with anxiety and depression. This, coupled with other situational triggers, led to a fatal suicide attempt in Melbourne, where he was furthering his studies. Zen passed away on Oct 1 2018, just a month shy of his 18th birthday.
Here, we take an intimate look into a bedroom that Zen once shared with his younger brother, with details furnished with the help of his mother, Elaine.
On the surface, Zen Dylan Koh seemingly had everything. Yet, his struggles with anxiety and depression proved that mental illness does not discriminate.
A sociable and outgoing boy, there is no shortage of funny stories about Zen and his goofy sense of humour. He would smear a charcoal mask and scare the wits out of his housemates at midnight. On one occasion, he even let his friends wax his legs with hair removal strips.
Contrary to popular belief, not all people who suffer from depression display symptoms of despair. It’s common to mask sadness with a smile to hide inner turmoil and suffering. The night before his suicide, Elaine had flown into Melbourne to check on Zen. However, upon arrival, he appeared to be his usual, loving self. They shared a cosy dinner and even continued to make plans for the following days, showing no sign that he was unwell. He took his own life later that night. If you think someone is struggling mentally, share your concerns and remind them that they’re not alone.
Once, Zen approached Elaine for an advance on his pocket money, explaining that he had given his calculator to a friend who couldn't afford one. Shortly after Zen's passing, that same friend shared how he would buy her food during recess or after school, encouraging her to choose whatever she wanted, regardless of cost.
During his lifetime, Zen also embarked on two mission trips with HELP Nepal in 2011 and 2016, when he was 10 and 16 respectively. There, he assisted with admin work and even helped out as a dental assistant. Today, his legacy of kindness lives on through the fund his parents set up in his name, and in the six people who received his donated organs.
When in Melbourne, Zen picked up skateboarding as a hobby. “He said that it makes him very happy. It was also how he moved around in the city,” Elaine says. The one pictured here – a favourite of his – was later immortalised in ink when Elaine had it tattooed in memory of Zen.
Research shows that hobbies are linked to lower levels of depression by affecting the reward system in the brain through dopamine release, which is why patients are often advised to take up a hobby to improve their mental health.
In more serious cases, medication might be prescribed. However, caution must be exercised as it works differently for different people. As Zen’s mental health deteriorated, he was prescribed an anti-depressant that made his behaviour very erratic and ultimately contributed to his suicide. It’s important to be educated on possible side effects before taking antidepressants, including suicidal ideations, and to monitor for any unusual changes in behaviour at the start of treatment and when there are changes in dosage.
Elaine shared a particularly close bond with Zen due to a common interest in shopping and designer labels. She recalls many fond memories where they would huddle up at a computer screen and online shop together. At one point, Zen even aspired to work in fashion merchandising, just like his mum used to.
While many tend to associate mental illness with an unstable family situation, Zen lived a blessed life and was well-cared for, yet depression did not discriminate.
At his wake, Elaine would find out that many of his cousins and her relatives too, battled depression. Sadly, this genetic predisposition, compounded with a breakup and betrayal in college, set off his Generalised Anxiety Disorder and mental health struggles.
However, depression itself is a complex mental illness and genetics are one of many factors that contribute to it. More importantly, it can be treated with proper psychiatric help.
Like all of Zen’s belongings, this plushie is one of Elaine’s precious keepsakes, which she uses as an object of comfort and self-soothing every night in bed.
At Youthline, we often come across people who utilise comfort objects for therapeutic use. In some cases, we even recommend it. Studies have shown that such items lend psychological assistance by providing an anchor for their emotional attachments, and help improve one’s capacity to be alone. This can be particularly helpful when you find yourself dealing with major life changes or when experiencing trauma or a significant loss.
Today, Zen is remembered as a caring and helpful boy. Even as he battled with his own demons, he ‘counselled’ many of his friends who were also struggling. Unfortunately, it depleted him to the point where his own mental strength was weakened and exhausted.
To honour his lifetime wish of becoming a psychologist, his parents set up the Zen Dylan Koh fund, a non-profit organisation that helps support youths with mental health issues in need of therapy.
While comfort objects provide a tangible item that aids in emotional regulation, safe spaces can also exist in many forms. Youthline aims to create a safe, non-judgemental and confidential environment by providing a listening ear through its free counselling services. Call 64366612 or find out more about Youthline’s counselling services.
A natural athlete, Zen was adept at picking up any sport, be it hockey, soccer, rollerblading, golf, snow skiing or diving.
Pictured here are his hockey sticks and jacket from ACS, which Elaine still wears to this very day.
Research shows that people who are active have better mental health as exercise improves blood flow and increases oxygen supply to the brain. This has a positive impact on anxiety, depression and improves your mood and sleep. In general, physical activity is associated with improved quality of life. Take up a sport to help manage and support your mental health.
A sports lover with a big heart, Mitchell had always put others before himself. He was a pillar of support for his friends and frequently contributed towards charity. While he was kind and compassionate, he also battled with depression and had difficulty coping with transitions in his adolescence. He was just about to have a fresh start in polytechnic when he was overcome by depression and ended his life.
Mitchell’s mother, Geok Lan, prays that he’s playing basketball and fishing in heaven. In his absence, you’re invited to look around his room where you’ll learn about his life and find out what to do if you’re facing mental health issues.
A sports lover with a big heart, Mitchell had always put others before himself - until his struggles with adapting to life’s changes took away his light.
What couldn’t Mitchell do? He was athletic, great at water sports and talented on the guitar. He thrived outside of school and had the support of his parents who encouraged his well-rounded development. Despite the rich life that he led, he felt compelled to end it after struggling with his mental health.
Teen suicide can be prevented. But the responsibility of doing so shouldn’t fall solely on the parents. It takes a whole community to save lives. Schools, parents, peers and professionals have to work together to raise awareness, spot signs of teens in distress and reduce the social stigma around suicide.
If you know a friend who needs help, encourage them to visit a counsellor or call Youthline at 64366612.
While Mitchell was quiet in school, his sportsmanship on the field spoke volumes about his character. He played basketball in secondary school and won medals for his team. During a school running event, he slowed down and kept pace with a close friend who was struggling. Off the court, Mitchell kept to himself. He struggled with his suicidal thoughts in silence. Before he took his life, his behaviour changed. He became less cheerful and more agitated.
When words fail, action speaks. Changes in behaviour can be signs that someone needs help. In Mitchell’s case, he knew that he was feeling sad all the time. Despite going through rounds of counselling in school and private clinics, Mitchell’s depression went undiagnosed. It was only after his suicide that his parents found out he was going through depression, which speaks to the importance of education and awareness in connecting people with the help they need.
Mitchell was a giving soul. He raised funds for underprivileged Cambodian kids by selling cupcakes, and volunteered at beach clean-ups for the All Saints Home and the Jamiyah Home for the Aged. He also participated in a car boot sale at Changi Airport, where he sold his toys and contributed all the proceeds to charity. During Christmas, he would surprise his family with gifts that he bought using his savings.
Mitchell loved to help others. But he didn’t know how to ask for help. He was quiet and struggled in silence, until he couldn’t bear the pain any longer.
It’s important for people to know that safe and non-judgemental spaces like Youthline exist. Conversations are confidential and help is just a text away. If it feels difficult to reach out to your friends or family, you are always welcome to chat anonymously.
Mitchell had dreams to become a motivational speaker. He saw hope after attending a talk by Jessica Cox, the world's first licensed armless pilot. At that time, he was struggling with anxiety and sleeping difficulties due to his exams. His parents brought him for counselling, but he didn’t open up.
After Mitchell’s O-Levels, his parents took him to an inspirational talk by Jessica Cox. She spoke about how she learnt to fly a plane, drive a car and play the piano despite being born without arms. This sparked something in Mitchell. He decided then that he also wanted to be a motivational speaker and lift others up.
Hope can be a powerful tool in the battle against anxiety and depression. While they shouldn’t be substitutes for professional help, repeated affirmations can lift one’s spirits when practised consistently over an extended period of time.
Mitchell never gave up on his studies. Even after being diagnosed with dyslexia in Kindergarten 1 and failing almost every subject in Primary 1 and 2, he pushed on and did well from Primary 3. While preparing for his O-Levels, he had the support of a maths tutor who helped him de-stress during lessons.
Mitchell was so thankful, he wrote letters to his tutor to express his gratitude. Mitchell’s results were good enough to take him to polytechnic. However, his mental struggles stopped him from moving on to the next stage of his life. He couldn’t cope with this transition and it ultimately led to his death by suicide.
Our teenage years are a time of constant change. We’re navigating new emotions, relationships, environments and changes in our bodies. It can feel incredibly isolating for teens who struggle to make sense of the seemingly unending turbulence in their lives. Remember to look out for signs of stress among adolescent friends or family members and offer support in the form of companionship and a non-judgemental listening ear.
It will also be helpful to direct them to mental health resources or services like Youthline.
No animal was spared from Mitchell’s affection. He loved the smallest of critters and the biggest of beasts. His family had a dog named Boyboy whose cuddles brought him great happiness.
Many people have discovered that having a pet improves their mood, lowers their stress, and eases their loneliness. Pets can do wonders although they aren’t substitutes for professional support. They offer companionship, improve mental health and can help your loved ones cope better with their struggles.
A sports lover with a big heart, Mitchell had always put others before himself. He was a pillar of support for his friends and frequently contributed towards charity. While he was kind and compassionate, he also battled with depression and had difficulty coping with transitions in his adolescence. He was just about to have a fresh start in polytechnic when he was overcome by depression and ended his life.
Mitchell’s mother, Geok Lan, prays that he’s playing basketball and fishing in heaven. In his absence, you’re invited to look around his room where you’ll learn about his life and find out what to do if you’re facing mental health issues.
A sports lover with a big heart, Mitchell had always put others before himself - until his struggles with adapting to life’s changes took away his light.
What couldn’t Mitchell do? He was athletic, great at water sports and talented on the guitar. He thrived outside of school and had the support of his parents who encouraged his well-rounded development. Despite the rich life that he led, he felt compelled to end it after struggling with his mental health.
Teen suicide can be prevented. But the responsibility of doing so shouldn’t fall solely on the parents. It takes a whole community to save lives. Schools, parents, peers and professionals have to work together to raise awareness, spot signs of teens in distress and reduce the social stigma around suicide.
If you know a friend who needs help, encourage them to visit a counsellor or call Youthline at 64366612.
While Mitchell was quiet in school, his sportsmanship on the field spoke volumes about his character. He played basketball in secondary school and won medals for his team. During a school running event, he slowed down and kept pace with a close friend who was struggling. Off the court, Mitchell kept to himself. He struggled with his suicidal thoughts in silence. Before he took his life, his behaviour changed. He became less cheerful and more agitated.
When words fail, action speaks. Changes in behaviour can be signs that someone needs help. In Mitchell’s case, he knew that he was feeling sad all the time. Despite going through rounds of counselling in school and private clinics, Mitchell’s depression went undiagnosed. It was only after his suicide that his parents found out he was going through depression, which speaks to the importance of education and awareness in connecting people with the help they need.
Mitchell was a giving soul. He raised funds for underprivileged Cambodian kids by selling cupcakes, and volunteered at beach clean-ups for the All Saints Home and the Jamiyah Home for the Aged. He also participated in a car boot sale at Changi Airport, where he sold his toys and contributed all the proceeds to charity. During Christmas, he would surprise his family with gifts that he bought using his savings.
Mitchell loved to help others. But he didn’t know how to ask for help. He was quiet and struggled in silence, until he couldn’t bear the pain any longer.
It’s important for people to know that safe and non-judgemental spaces like Youthline exist. Conversations are confidential and help is just a text away. If it feels difficult to reach out to your friends or family, you are always welcome to chat anonymously.
Mitchell had dreams to become a motivational speaker. He saw hope after attending a talk by Jessica Cox, the world's first licensed armless pilot. At that time, he was struggling with anxiety and sleeping difficulties due to his exams. His parents brought him for counselling, but he didn’t open up.
After Mitchell’s O-Levels, his parents took him to an inspirational talk by Jessica Cox. She spoke about how she learnt to fly a plane, drive a car and play the piano despite being born without arms. This sparked something in Mitchell. He decided then that he also wanted to be a motivational speaker and lift others up.
Hope can be a powerful tool in the battle against anxiety and depression. While they shouldn’t be substitutes for professional help, repeated affirmations can lift one’s spirits when practised consistently over an extended period of time.
Mitchell never gave up on his studies. Even after being diagnosed with dyslexia in Kindergarten 1 and failing almost every subject in Primary 1 and 2, he pushed on and did well from Primary 3. While preparing for his O-Levels, he had the support of a maths tutor who helped him de-stress during lessons.
Mitchell was so thankful, he wrote letters to his tutor to express his gratitude. Mitchell’s results were good enough to take him to polytechnic. However, his mental struggles stopped him from moving on to the next stage of his life. He couldn’t cope with this transition and it ultimately led to his death by suicide.
Our teenage years are a time of constant change. We’re navigating new emotions, relationships, environments and changes in our bodies. It can feel incredibly isolating for teens who struggle to make sense of the seemingly unending turbulence in their lives. Remember to look out for signs of stress among adolescent friends or family members and offer support in the form of companionship and a non-judgemental listening ear.
It will also be helpful to direct them to mental health resources or services like Youthline.
No animal was spared from Mitchell’s affection. He loved the smallest of critters and the biggest of beasts. His family had a dog named Boyboy whose cuddles brought him great happiness.
Many people have discovered that having a pet improves their mood, lowers their stress, and eases their loneliness. Pets can do wonders although they aren’t substitutes for professional support. They offer companionship, improve mental health and can help your loved ones cope better with their struggles.
The only daughter of a biracial couple, Elisabeth Pauwels seemed poised for bigger things. A warm and bubbly person, she was musically and artistically gifted, possessed an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of animals and was always ready to lend a helping hand. However, persistent struggles with mental illness tragically cut her story short in 2019, when she died by suicide at the age of 18.
With the help of her mother, Liping, we welcome you to take a closer look at her room and the portrait of her short yet meaningful life.
Warm, bubbly and gifted in many ways, 18-year-old Elisabeth Pauwels seemed poised for bigger things. However, persistent struggles with mental illness tragically left the portrait of her life unfinished.
Elisabeth had a soft spot for all creatures. Armed with an encyclopaedic knowledge on animals, she even once corrected a teacher in P1 that the largest mammal was a whale, not an elephant. She aspired to become a vet, and once brought back a chick which grew into a hen that befriended the family cat.
In times of emotional distress, community provides us with a sense of belonging, and acts as a powerful source of support and purpose.
On weekends, Elisabeth found community in a group of bird lovers called Birdie’s and Family, which helped her make friends. As part of the group’s bird watching activities, she used to conduct talks and bake bird-friendly treats at gatherings.
Elisabeth possessed a profound passion for the arts. She was remarkably versatile in both style and medium, seamlessly transitioning between traditional painting and digital drawing. She also dabbled in pottery and was proficient at a number of musical instruments, including the electric guitar, ukulele, flute, and piano.
The benefits of art therapy cannot be understated. This integrative treatment uses artistic self-expression as a medium to work through complex and often abstract feelings, and can be helpful when folks don’t have the words to describe their experience or challenges. Art gave Elisabeth an outlet to express her talents, and she took great pride in it.
Elisabeth shared an especially close bond with her mum. They did everything together – from going to the doctors to accompanying her to therapy. The duo would make the most of these outings by cafe hopping afterwards. At home, she was affectionately called “Lies”, her Dutch name.
Liping was juggling many roles: mother, friend and caretaker to Elisabeth. Youthline recognises the need for support to those struggling with their mental health. Through live helpline and free counselling services, we too, are here for youths who need a listening ear.
When Elisabeth’s mental health worsened, her principal and teachers did everything they could to support her. They helped her ease back into school after she went on a Leave of Absence with the doctor’s approval.
Unfortunately, that Leave of Absence was extended to a long-term one as her condition deteriorated.
Figures of authority like parents, teachers and medical professionals play essential roles in helping youth who are struggling with their mental health.
Support can come in many forms. By making space in the formal education system to help these youth and providing the necessary supports, communities can come together to lower the rates of teen suicide.
Home was once a safe space for Elizabeth. That was before she began to hear voices and see shadows.
Then, things took a turn for the worst. One day, Elisabeth overdosed on her medication. Her parents also discovered that she was self-harming. They immediately brought her to the A&E department where she was hospitalised for almost a month and formally diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder.
Critical moments call for specialised psychotherapy intervention. In Singapore, step down services that provide mental health patients with treatment in a secure setting are widely available. When in doubt, you can call Youthline at 64366612 to seek advice on the next steps for your loved ones.
Elisabeth loved anime. On her wall, she had a poster of Yuyuko Saigyouji, a character who lost her life to suicide and became the Ghost Princess of the Netherworld. Nobody could have seen this as a foreshadowing of Elisabeth’s fate.
On her last day, Liping noticed that Elisabeth had not been on WhatsApp for some time, which was very unusual. Liping continued to text Elisabeth while her husband looked for their daughter. But by then, the worst had already happened.
Being familiar with your loved one’s habits, such as their texting behaviour, can help you notice if something’s amiss. Look out for these warning signs and don’t hesitate to act. Even a seemingly simple gesture like saying “hi” can go a long way and acknowledge the importance of a person’s life.
The only daughter of a biracial couple, Elisabeth Pauwels seemed poised for bigger things. A warm and bubbly person, she was musically and artistically gifted, possessed an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of animals and was always ready to lend a helping hand. However, persistent struggles with mental illness tragically cut her story short in 2019, when she died by suicide at the age of 18.
With the help of her mother, Liping, we welcome you to take a closer look at her room and the portrait of her short yet meaningful life.
Warm, bubbly and gifted in many ways, 18-year-old Elisabeth Pauwels seemed poised for bigger things. However, persistent struggles with mental illness tragically left the portrait of her life unfinished.
Elisabeth had a soft spot for all creatures. Armed with an encyclopaedic knowledge on animals, she even once corrected a teacher in P1 that the largest mammal was a whale, not an elephant. She aspired to become a vet, and once brought back a chick which grew into a hen that befriended the family cat.
In times of emotional distress, community provides us with a sense of belonging, and acts as a powerful source of support and purpose.
On weekends, Elisabeth found community in a group of bird lovers called Birdie’s and Family, which helped her make friends. As part of the group’s bird watching activities, she used to conduct talks and bake bird-friendly treats at gatherings.
Elisabeth possessed a profound passion for the arts. She was remarkably versatile in both style and medium, seamlessly transitioning between traditional painting and digital drawing. She also dabbled in pottery and was proficient at a number of musical instruments, including the electric guitar, ukulele, flute, and piano.
The benefits of art therapy cannot be understated. This integrative treatment uses artistic self-expression as a medium to work through complex and often abstract feelings, and can be helpful when folks don’t have the words to describe their experience or challenges. Art gave Elisabeth an outlet to express her talents, and she took great pride in it.
Elisabeth shared an especially close bond with her mum. They did everything together – from going to the doctors to accompanying her to therapy. The duo would make the most of these outings by cafe hopping afterwards. At home, she was affectionately called “Lies”, her Dutch name.
Liping was juggling many roles: mother, friend and caretaker to Elisabeth. Youthline recognises the need for support to those struggling with their mental health. Through live helpline and free counselling services, we too, are here for youths who need a listening ear.
When Elisabeth’s mental health worsened, her principal and teachers did everything they could to support her. They helped her ease back into school after she went on a Leave of Absence with the doctor’s approval.
Unfortunately, that Leave of Absence was extended to a long-term one as her condition deteriorated.
Figures of authority like parents, teachers and medical professionals play essential roles in helping youth who are struggling with their mental health.
Support can come in many forms. By making space in the formal education system to help these youth and providing the necessary supports, communities can come together to lower the rates of teen suicide.
Home was once a safe space for Elizabeth. That was before she began to hear voices and see shadows.
Then, things took a turn for the worst. One day, Elisabeth overdosed on her medication. Her parents also discovered that she was self-harming. They immediately brought her to the A&E department where she was hospitalised for almost a month and formally diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder.
Critical moments call for specialised psychotherapy intervention. In Singapore, step down services that provide mental health patients with treatment in a secure setting are widely available. When in doubt, you can call Youthline at 64366612 to seek advice on the next steps for your loved ones.
Elisabeth loved anime. On her wall, she had a poster of Yuyuko Saigyouji, a character who lost her life to suicide and became the Ghost Princess of the Netherworld. Nobody could have seen this as a foreshadowing of Elisabeth’s fate.
On her last day, Liping noticed that Elisabeth had not been on WhatsApp for some time, which was very unusual. Liping continued to text Elisabeth while her husband looked for their daughter. But by then, the worst had already happened.
Being familiar with your loved one’s habits, such as their texting behaviour, can help you notice if something’s amiss. Look out for these warning signs and don’t hesitate to act. Even a seemingly simple gesture like saying “hi” can go a long way and acknowledge the importance of a person’s life.
