As World Mental Health Day approaches, I asked myself what does this day mean to me? 

This day means more to me than simply raising awareness. As a wellness advocate for nearly 3 years, this day holds a special place in my heart. It calls for deeper reflection, pauses and perhaps also the courage to “begin again”. 

This phrase “begin again” resonated deeply with me, serving as my guiding light during my darkest days. And in many ways, World Mental Health Day embodies this spirit of renewal and resilience.

As I reflect on my journey, I asked myself, “Where did it all begin? How did Chill By Nette come about?”

Around January 2021, I was diagnosed with a debilitating skin condition that forced me to leave my full-time job in March 2021. I found myself trapped within my own mind, unaware of concepts like “I am not my thoughts” or recognizing the state of my mental health. I struggled to find words to describe my ordeal, but what I do remember vividly is the isolation, and the overwhelming loneliness. 

To put it in words, it felt like I was engulfed in a black hole, feeling helpless and hopeless.

To make matters worse, this happened during the pandemic, a period marked by economic uncertainty and fear. I withdrew from friends and family because I couldn’t accept myself and my situation. 

Coping with the inner turmoil consumed all of my energy, leaving me with nothing for daily activities or social interactions. 

Isolation became my refuge.

I spent my days alone, but in this solitude, I began to find a certain peace. It felt unfamiliar yet profoundly calming, a stark contrast to the chaotic hustle of the outside world that we are all used to.

I consulted a few dermatologists during those days, but none could offer a convincing answer for my condition. Depression crept in, and I lost significant weight. What kept me going, aside from my daily routine, was the faint but growing voice within me – a voice that had been neglected for far too long. Call it an inner voice, higher self, or an intuition, it has qualities akin to a sunflower- strength, resilience, warmth, nurturing, and hope. Its tone was courageous, firm, and reassuring. It told me, “It’s okay to begin again, Jeannette.” 

It was a soft whisper, but yet it held so much strength. I broke down, and cried. 

This voice felt unconditional, unfamiliar, yet profoundly comforting. Now, in retrospect, I understand that it was my essential self that was there all along – courageous, forgiving, loving –qualities that had become increasingly obscured and distant as a result of the process of growing up.

Connecting with this voice, as far as I can remember, marked the beginning of my healing journey.

I Begin

With the encouragement of my inner guiding light, and encouragement from my loved ones, I eventually sought professional assistance and help. 

To this day, my skin condition remains unhealed.

Even though the physical condition hasn’t healed, internally I felt that I have undergone many rounds of internal healing (much needed ones).

But my journey was far from over; it was just beginning.

In May 2021, I took a leap of faith and launched the “Chill By Nette Health and Wellness Podcast” This marked the start of my journey as a content creator, and an outward expression of my inner transformation.

Initially, the podcast served as my emotional outlet – a means of seeking emotional support and coping with my own challenges. But it later resonated with others who were navigating similar struggles. Each episode, in the beginning, was a battle against self-doubt, discomfort, and uncertainty. Even so, I’ve released a total of 35 episodes. I’ve begun 35 times in that process. 

During that period, some days I felt invisible, while on others, I felt courageous and hopeful. One thing remained constant- I knew I was moving forward in a direction that felt right, a path that spoke to me. Along the way, I had gained more confidence.

Journey of Unbecoming and Self-discovery

What kept me going was the courage to start again every day. That looks like telling myself each day that “it’s going to be okay”. It takes immense strength to unbecome what others expect and follow the path you truly desire.

After four months into my podcast venture, an acquaintance of mine reached out, offering words of encouragement and suggesting that I apply for TikTok’s Youth for Good program, which was open for applications at the time. Despite feeling inadequate, I decided to enroll in the TikTok Youth Good Program for Wellness Creators, where I had the opportunity to receive mentorship from various Mental Health Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs).

During this period, I had to network with people, a challenge I wasn’t accustomed to after my period of isolation. It was a monumental task, pushing me out of my comfort zone daily. Social events kept me awake until 3 am for days. I realised the depth of my fear and the healing that needed to occur.

I continued working on my social fears and anxiety with my therapist while maintaining a daily journal to better understand my thoughts and emotions. This journey led me to discover my values, strengths, and a mindset of gratitude, all of which helped rebuild my self-worth, tested by unforeseen challenges.

As therapy progressed and my life improved, a seed was planted in my heart – a calling to give back and support others dealing with mental health issues. The compassion and empathy I received from my therapist ignited a desire to be a source of support for others. This path of self-discovery led me to pursue a post-graduate diploma in Positive Psychology and Mindfulness and later a Master’s in Counseling, deepening my understanding of mental health.

Looking back, I realised that my darkest hours allowed me to uncover my greatest strengths, whether in the form of talents, passions, wisdom, or purpose.

Becoming a therapist wasn’t without challenges. I had to undergo the necessary education and training, including earning a Master’s degree in Counseling. Throughout this journey, I continued therapy and participated in supervision to ensure I could genuinely support others on their mental health journeys. 

Today, I work full-time as the Wellbeing Lead at Actxa Wellness, curating science-backed holistic wellness programs for corporations. 

As a supervised counsellor, I have the privilege of walking alongside individuals who are facing their own struggles. I am deeply humbled by the trust they place in me and am honoured to be a part of their healing process. These experiences have given me a unique perspective and an understanding that goes beyond textbooks.

So, What’s the Lesson in All of This?

The biggest lesson: It is during our most challenging moments that we discover our inner strength. And so, we must find the courage especially in our down moments to begin again. 

“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” - Aristotle Onassis

“Chill” By Nette

The strength born from my struggles birthed ‘Chill By Nette.’ 

Over two years, it has documented every step of my recovery journey.

Today, it stands as a wellness community platform committed to making mental health and wellness resources accessible, fun, and relatable. It’s a place where those struggling can find chill. ‘Chill’ signifies relaxation, fun, and slowing down  – crucial elements of wellness. It also symbolises taking time to connect with ourselves, listening to our inner wisdom to begin anew.

In the process, I’ve embarked on many new beginnings throughout my journey: leaving my full-time job, overcoming my social fears, starting a podcast, giving birth to Chill By Nette, choosing to see new possibilities in my own career path.

I’m proud to announce that after two and a half years in the making, I’m taking another leap of faith to begin again. This time, it is to formalise this venture to help others find their inner strength & guidance and heal from within.

Chill By Nette today offers a range of resources, including the Chill Library, therapy sessions, workshops, and Chill Circle gatherings, available both virtually through Zoom and in-person. 

Do stay tuned for more details, set to be unveiled in mid-to-late October. 

I’m eager to share this significant milestone with you and can’t wait to see where this journey will take us.

The Power of Conversation

More importantly, I am taking this opportunity to share my own personal journey because I believe in the transformative power of community and simple conversations about our mental wellness. 

When we speak openly about our own mental health, we create a space where others can also do the same.

The Sunflower in You 🌻

As World Mental Health Day approaches, I encourage you to recognize the sunflower within yourself, standing tall and proud, even in the face of adversity. 

To me, sunflowers symbolise beauty, strength and resilience, as they demonstrate the ability to endure challenges. 

They serve as a powerful reminder to stay strong when confronted with difficulties.

However, staying strong doesn’t mean facing it all alone. It means knowing when to lean on other sunflowers for support, when to seek the embrace of a community or professional help. It is also to know that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness but a testament to your immense strength, as it takes courage to acknowledge that we can’t carry the weight of our struggles alone.

And what’s even more beautiful is that in some cultures, sunflowers have spiritual significance and are associated with divine connection and guidance. They may represent a connection to higher powers or the universe.

As I leave you with this thought, I invite you to close your eyes and visualise a field of sunflowers in your mind. 

What do you see? 

How would you describe this image? 

Whatever you described likely reflects the inherent qualities within you- that has always been there.

For me, as I close my eyes and envision this scene, a few words come to mind: warmth, courage, light, hope, and beauty. I intend to carry these words as affirmations and reminders as I navigate the days ahead.

Closing Words

Today, I woke up at 5 am without an alarm. This occurrence has been rare lately, and it provided me with the precious time to pen down this article. Perhaps the universe guided me to spend the last two and a half hours writing these words.

Now, I must rush off to work.

Thank you for staying here with me on this journey and reading this far.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my post, and I look forward to the day when we can chill together someday, fellow chiller!

Written by:

Jeannette Qhek
Therapist | M.S in Counselling | PGDip in Positive Psychology & Mindfulness | BSc B. Soc. Sci. (Singapore Management University)
Founder of Chill By Nette