The 9th International conference - Together Against Stigma took place in Singapore in the year 2019. Institute of Mental Health held a conference named the Together Against Stigma, collaborating with organisations such as NCSS, AIC, HPB, Jardines, Mindset, Singapore Psychiatric Association, and World Psychiatric Association. The conference created a platform for interested members to discuss stigma issues that continue to plague individuals suffering from mental health conditions thereby obstructing them to seek help and regaining a position and power in society.
In the year 2019, some of my friends and I signed up for this conference and we were grouped with a group of university students as well as practitioners who were already in the workforce working with clients. What was insightful for me was that, at the beginning of the conference, the organiser/host asked us to share within the group, one significant event that is difficult to talk about, the event that has affected us and yet managed to recover from it. That group activity was to let us reflect and understand the difficulty that a person with mental health condition might have to face, discussing their condition to their employers and what they deemed as weaknesses in society.
That discussion was inspiring and truly left a great impression, it made me think about the difference in status and power as well as the inequality that persons with mental health conditions had to face. Secondly, I have also learned that as a future social worker, it is equally crucial to examine and reflect on my personal biases and fear, put down all of these before we can genuinely be present for our clients. As I sat there sharing, the greatest challenge was the fear that the training social worker or social workers in the same group might "judge" me, or I would be questioned for not being fully ready for clients in the future. However, as the discussion went on, I felt assured and empowered, knowing that it is okay to not be okay at times and that there are always resources around to provide assistance.
The discussion ended and there were several booths set up in the main hall for us to explore the various existing programs in Singapore and overseas. I was exposed to many overseas initiatives and efforts in building an inclusive society and reducing stigma. As a future social worker, the information shared in the individual booths was entirely helpful as it enhanced and broadened my knowledge of the different resources I can leverage in the future for my clients' quality of life. I recalled looking at some of the creative tools created to aid persons with mental conditions in their daily living and employment. What interested me was the postcards in the vending machine, individuals could easily retrieve to write positive affirmations of the individuals that they would like to address. This is to encourage and boost the morale of individuals who often feel suppressed and helpless or just overwhelmed in the society where they often feel outcasted and left out from.
All in all, in my opinion, the conference was very well-rounded in a sense whereby, it was beneficial for both myself and my work with clients in the future as a social worker. I was better able to understand the experiences and challenges faced by persons with mental health conditions and was encouraged to see the many existing programs and tools available, for both the persons with mental health conditions as well as the practitioners working closely with them. These conferences and forums are really efficient and helpful for practitioners who are constantly looking for methods to build their skills in better working with the clients.
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