SUPPORT

Social media is a usual platform for people to share personal achievements, good times and celebrations.

Personal hardships and struggles are not mentioned. We don't even talk about it. Often, we keep them to ourselves and show the best sides of ourselves to the outside world.

Mental health issues are often not acknowledged and brushed off until it is too late. As a result, there is little support for people who suffer or who take their life away.

Just imagine this.

If we share our life challenges openly to family, friends and in social media platforms, we will realise:

1. Others face similar problems just like us. This gives hope, strength and courage to go on with our problems.

2. Conversations can start, ideas can be exchanged on how to tackle the problems and we can help and work together to solve our mutual problems.

3. Family and friends are there to share good and bad times with each other. Supporting each other is the cornerstone of life.

When I was taken sick late last year, the opposing counsel in a family matter I was involved in got wind of it. We do not know each other at all. He called me and enquired about my health and told me not to worry about our case. I was touched.

I enjoy family law practice, more for the fact that I can be a friend and confidante to my clients. Recently, two of my clients are going through very difficult point in their lives.

They are in the top of my mind. I check in on them and encourage them on regularly.

I am told that I share personal incidents in my life and thoughts openly in my life in Facebook.

I do that for one reason - if what I share makes just one person a little consoled, comforted and gives hope, then my personal sharing is worthwhile.

I joke that I am at the age where I can speak my mind freely without worry and fear, much to the Wife's dismay.

On a serious note, let us be open, be vulnerable, speak out to support each other in our life journey.

In these times we are in, giving and receiving support is crucial.