Ever since my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I made the difficult decision to step away from my role as a tutor and dedicated every moment to being there for him. The weight of this responsibility took a toll on my mental well-being, and I began experiencing emotional challenges. I found myself hearing voices that painted a negative picture of my relationship with my father, adding to my emotional exhaustion.
However, everything started to change when I was referred to community psychiatric services. Under the guidance of my therapist, I came to realize that I hadn't done anything to bring joy to myself in a long time. The role of a caregiver had consumed me entirely, leaving little room for self-care and happiness. Reflecting on my past, I remembered being not just a beloved teacher but also an enthusiast of calligraphy. Discovering this, my therapist kindly gifted me a brush, hoping to reignite my passion for life. Upon his encouragement, I started to practice calligraphy once again. It became a mindful practice that allowed me to be present in the moment. I was also less distressed by the voices. My relationship with my father now improves, as we share the joy of practicing calligraphy together.
Embracing a more balanced lifestyle, I have witnessed a significant reduction in negative emotions and a renewed sense of purpose. I am also considering the possibility of resuming part-time teaching. The phrase "going with the flow" embodies a key aspect of my journey towards mental well-being, reminding me to cherish each precious moment, prioritize self-care, and lead a life filled with love, meaning, and personal growth.
From a certain day onward, I found myself inexplicably anxious about work, constantly worrying about making mistakes. It even reached a point where social gatherings with friends became unsettling, causing me to gradually withdraw from social activities. It wasn't until later that I realized these were warning signs of an emotional breakdown. Encouraged by my loved ones, I decided to seek therapy to address my emotional struggles, and thankfully, I began to experience improvements.
I enrolled in day hospital service, with the hope of not only recovering but also rediscovering a balanced lifestyle. It provided an opportunity for me to interact with people of different ages, and together, we learned from one another. We shared meals, played board games, and opened up about our feelings and personal growth, fostering a supportive and caring environment. Through the guidance and support of the therapists, I came to understand the importance of balancing different aspects of life. I became more motivated to pursue work, preparing myself for a fresh start. On the other hand, participating in various group activities allowed me to appreciate the value of leisure. I found great joy in a handicraft group. Even with simple materials, I could create beautiful pieces that brought me a sense of achievement and contentment. I could also share my happiness with my family.
Although there is still much to learn along this journey, I believe that I am growing day by day. This path is not just about overcoming challenges; it is a voyage of self-discovery, filled with hope and warmth.
Residing in the high-pressure metropolis of Hong Kong, I keenly feel the relentless pace of life, leaving me with scarce opportunities to catch my breath. Like the majority of Hong Kongers, I am immersed in the demands of work as I strive for an improved quality of life. Alongside my repetitive job responsibilities, I have embarked on a part-time master's degree program, further adding to my commitments. Each day, I diligently report to work, followed by attending classes after hours. By the time I return home, it is already late at night, often past 11 PM. Hastily completing assignments, I find myself finally able to sleep well after midnight, only to rise at 6 AM and repeat the cycle.
While my life may appear fulfilling on the surface, after a couple of months, I have come to realize the grave consequences of this lifestyle. Not only do I suffer from severe sleep deprivation, but I have also witnessed a significant decline in social engagements with friends and an absence of time for my beloved basketball. My life has become severely unbalanced. Although I manage to fulfill my work and academic obligations, I constantly find myself exhausted, both physically and mentally.
Recognizing my circumstances, I have started contemplating ways to cultivate a more balanced life. Firstly, I am committed to diligently managing and allocating my time, ensuring I have sufficient intervals for rest and relaxation after completing work tasks. I have come to understand that granting myself the gift of rest is a form of reward, crucial for maintaining my overall well-being. Additionally, I have designated one day each week to reconnect with friends and family, nurturing and preserving those indispensable social connections.
Furthermore, I actively engage in other hobbies and leisure activities, such as listening to music, watching online videos, or engaging in home workouts. These endeavors allow me to carve out valuable moments from my demanding schedule, enabling me to revel in my personal interests. Concurrently, I have learned the importance of stress management and have incorporated techniques like meditation and breathing exercises to fortify my mental well-being.
In summary, the pursuit of a balanced life holds great significance for me. By thoughtfully organizing my time, prioritizing moments of rest and rejuvenation, fostering social bonds, and pursuing personal passions, I am better equipped to navigate the pressures of daily life while taking care of my own physical and mental health.
I am a single mother. For a long time, I dedicated all my time to taking care of my sick daughter and parents. As time went on, the mounting pressure began to take a toll on my own well-being, ultimately leading to my hospitalization.
After my discharge, I met a therapist. Through our conversations, I realized that I had been putting all my energy into taking care of my family, causing my life to become imbalanced. I became aware that taking care of myself was just as important as fulfilling the role of a caregiver. With this in mind, I decided to reignite my passion for baking and joined a baking group at the community center. During the process, I found solace and joy in the art of baking, and baking became my way to relieve stress.
Now, I have even added a small oven to my home, allowing me to indulge in baking cookies whenever I feel inspired. This newfound passion not only brings me personal fulfillment but also strengthens the bonds within my family. Looking ahead, I have aspirations of turning this beloved hobby into a thriving venture. I envision sharing my delightful cookies with a wider audience by leveraging online platforms, spreading happiness and joy to others along the way.
Over the past three years, we have all experienced different lives. I, too, have undergone a significant transformation in my life. I transitioned from being a full-time worker to a full-time mom while also engaging in social work, taking on the roles of both a mother and a daughter. However, throughout this journey, I have experienced heavy pressure, helplessness, anxiety, and an overwhelming sense of frustration.
As a result, I began to question myself, how can I change the current situation? How can I carve out some time for myself amidst these multiple roles? Thus, I decided to enroll in some hobby classes, hoping to find balance amidst the busyness. In the process of learning, I have enjoyed the relaxation it brings and the indescribable sense of accomplishment upon completing my creations.
I deeply understand the importance of a balanced life and am extremely grateful to have encountered understanding and supportive family members and colleagues. Now, besides being occupied with work and taking care of my family, I am also able to pursue my own interests. Everything is gradually falling back into place, and I have learned to embrace everything around me and rediscover myself.