Siao Lang Keng (疯人院, asylum in Hokkien).

Recently the MBS mask auntie made headlines and there are reports of her undergoing psychiatric assessment at the Institute of Mental Health, otherwise known as the asylum in Singapore.

Why is it taking them so long to assess her mental state? Mine only took a day.

Last year, I checked myself into IMH as I was having harmful thoughts which became more frequent and intense. I confessed to the psychiatrist I wanted to jump off the building with my kid and I had thoughts of throwing him out of the window. Hence, the child protection services was activated and this was how I ended up putting my child in infant care.

It was confirmed I was suffering from post natal depression and I have since been cleared after six months of treatment. Yay!

Post natal blues is feeling down. Post natal depression is having thoughts to harm myself or my child, or both.

Long story short, I was triggered by the husband who only showed up and did not make any effort on doing anything special to celebrate our wedding anniversary. I grabbed my own dinner while he slept like a log. When I see him I became irritated, frustrated and my mood sank to a all time low.

Why get married for that bit of sausage? Go through two cycles of IVF and jab myself for what? Then collapsed after childbirth and so many follow up appointments after having baby for what?!!!

Good thing was the low mood went away as it was controllable with medication but I had to solve the underlying problems. Bad thing is, it may come back during menopause.

After checking myself into IMH, I spent time away and had a good night sleep at the observation ward without any electronic devices which was supposed to be good for me.

I remembered I teared every time I spoke about my situation to the first doctor at A&E. The social worker in the morning after a good night sleep. Then the next doctor who could piece my situation together perfectly.

During the overnight stay, I was locked in the observation ward with a student who only stared into space and a self proclaimed PHD holder who threatened to slit her throat multiple times if the staff do not update her on her status. She was subsequently warded.

So I say, just put the MBS mask auntie with these people and put all restraining orders on her so she will make an effort to improve her behaviour.

I seeked help and my mental health improved significantly after I decided to leave my job in February. I got to spend quality time with my kid and I also received a clean bill of health from all departments this month.

Finally, no more follow up appointments with the psychiatrist, cardiologist, neurologist, haematologist and gynaecologist!

Bye bye Siao Lang Keng. Bye bye hospitals! 不见了，疯人院。不见了，医院！