At the age of 15, Wu Minyu and her family relocated to a new flat in a different estate. It wasn’t long before she started hearing voices, which led her to believe that her neighbors were observing her and making hurtful comments.
“You’re a useless person,” the voices seemed to say.
In school, Wu faced additional challenges. She struggled with a demanding triple-science subject combination in Secondary 3, compounded by growing academic pressure. Her close friends had moved to different classes, and she felt increasingly isolated.
Her sense of anxiety and insecurity grew, particularly as she felt like she was constantly being watched. She also found it difficult to turn to her brother, who had enlisted in national service, leaving her at home with only her mother. Wu’s father had passed away when she was 10, further deepening her sense of vulnerability.
“I felt very unsafe,” she recalled. “Someone seemed to be predicting my every move: ‘Look at her, she’s doing this, she’s doing that.'”
The experience affected her mental state, disrupting her appetite and sleep and triggering feelings of depression. When she ventured outside, she noticed people staring at her.
“You can tell when someone isn’t well,” Wu said, describing how she looked disheveled and distant, with her mother holding on to her for support.
Eventually, her family sought help, and she was admitted to a general hospital, where she was prescribed antidepressants. Though Wu returned to school and succeeded enough to get into junior college, the voices continued to resurface, intensifying her stress and doubts about her well-being.
Diagnosis and the Struggles of Schizoaffective Disorder
At 17, Wu was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, a condition that combines both mood disorders and psychotic symptoms. This disorder involves hallucinations, delusions, and cognitive impairments, along with mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder.
The voices she heard were auditory hallucinations, one of the defining features of schizophrenia—a severe, chronic mental illness that impacts how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. While schizophrenia affects millions globally, studies show that up to 80% of the risk for developing the illness is attributed to genetics, with environmental factors like stress, substance abuse, and childhood trauma playing a role.
Schizophrenia is particularly prevalent in Singapore, affecting about one in 116 people, with many developing symptoms during adolescence or early adulthood. In 2023, the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) saw the highest number of schizophrenia patients, with a large portion of long-term inpatients diagnosed with the condition.
On her doctor’s advice, Wu took time off from school to focus on recovery. Her family, particularly her brother, remained a strong source of support. He worked part-time as a tutor while attending university, allowing their mother to focus on Wu’s well-being.
“I will work, you just take care of Minyu,” her brother told their mother.
Wu eventually completed her A-levels after a year’s break, but academic stress soon took its toll again. She lacked motivation for her studies, which contributed to her decision not to attend university.
However, her older brother encouraged her to pursue a diploma at a polytechnic, despite her initial reluctance. “At that time, if you were older than your peers, it wasn’t considered ideal,” she said, reflecting on the societal pressures she felt.
At the polytechnic, Wu studied applied drama and psychology, subjects that helped her gain a deeper understanding of her mental health. She thrived in her courses, achieving success and marking a significant turning point in her recovery.
“I grieved over having a diagnosis,” Wu admitted. “But I learned that it was due to genetics and biological factors, so it wasn’t entirely my fault. That realization helped me come to terms with myself.”
Tragedy and Perseverance
In the midst of Wu’s recovery, tragedy struck. In 2014, her brother, the family’s primary support, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. His death in September of that year left Wu devastated. He had been her pillar of strength, helping her manage her mental health and guiding her through life’s challenges.
Her brother’s absence was overwhelming. “Every problem was solved by him,” Wu said. “His absence made everything so much harder.”
Despite the emotional and mental toll, Wu continued her education, earning a degree in psychology from Nanyang Technological University (NTU). She made the decision to stop taking medication after consulting with her psychiatrist, as her condition had stabilized. This allowed her to avoid disclosing her mental health condition to potential employers.
However, after a series of short-term jobs, Wu experienced a relapse in 2019, resulting in another hospitalization at IMH. She was prescribed antipsychotic medications and cognitive remediation therapy to improve her cognitive abilities, a common treatment for those with schizophrenia.
“I resisted medication at first,” Wu explained. “But then I reminded myself that when I was on medication, I succeeded. I could go to polytechnic, I could go to university. I gave myself a chance to try again.”
A New Path: Peer Support and Giving Back
After her discharge from IMH, Wu resumed working to support herself and her mother. She initially took on jobs in customer service and fast food, but it wasn’t until 2021, when she attended a peer support program, that she found her true calling. Inspired by the program, she applied for a role as a peer support specialist at IMH, a position she was offered in 2023.
Now, Wu uses her lived experiences to help others living with schizophrenia. She conducts one-on-one sessions and group support meetings, where she shares strategies for self-care, managing the condition, and setting recovery goals. She draws from her own journey to offer hope to those facing similar challenges.
Wu also recognizes the stigma that surrounds schizophrenia, a condition often misunderstood by those unfamiliar with its symptoms. Early intervention is crucial in improving outcomes for those diagnosed with the illness. At IMH, efforts like the Early Psychosis Intervention Programme (EPIP) have made a significant impact by reducing the duration of untreated psychosis, which is linked to higher rates of hospitalization and suicide.
Living With Schizophrenia
Despite the challenges, Wu has learned to manage her condition with the help of her family, therapy, and self-care practices. Regular exercise, mindfulness, and spirituality play a significant role in her recovery.
“I think a lot of it is about self-care. You need to be very aware of your early warning signs and triggers,” Wu shared. She continues to embrace mindfulness and simple exercises, such as jogging on the spot, to help maintain her well-being.
Though the voices sometimes resurface, Wu has learned to treat them as “background noise.” “They can’t hurt you. They can’t hit you,” she said. “You don’t have to follow whatever they say.”
Wu’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, support, and self-acceptance. “Mental health recovery is not easy, and it can be a long journey, but it is possible,” she affirmed. “I’ve learned to accept my condition and embrace who I am—someone shaped by my lived experiences.”
Her story serves as an inspiration for others living with schizophrenia, showing that with the right support and mindset, recovery is achievable.
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