Growing up in a broken family, Irene understands the sting of being scorned and marginalised. Even at 51, she bears the invisible scars of relentless bullying and isolation from neighbours and classmates throughout her childhood years.
“They looked down on me and called me terrible names like ‘bastard’. The comments have stayed with me to this day. I had no friends, and no one to fend for me then. When I got bullied, I had to fight for myself,” shared Irene, who was raised solely by her grandmother.
Lacking guidance, Irene dropped out of school, haunted by memories of childhood bullying that shattered her trust in others. Unprocessed emotions have only deepened these wounds over time, profoundly impacting her well-being.
Challenges on all fronts
Financial strain, worsened by soaring living expenses, adds to Irene’s burden as the main caregiver for her family of five, comprising her husband, her 32-year-old daughter who is a single mother, and her two grandchildren, aged 10 and 4. As Irene had to leave her job to care for her grandchildren, the family now relies solely on her husband’s income as a delivery driver. They struggle to get by each month, sometimes resorting to borrowing from others.
Overwhelmed by the burdens, Irene experienced bouts of anxiety and depression, exacerbated by her past traumas. “I have attempted suicide multiple times and sought help at IMH,” she confessed. “I was on psychiatric medication for many years, sometimes taking up to 15 pills a day. Even with medication, it was hard to stand on my own.”
It was amid this whirlwind of challenges that she sought support from MWS Covenant Family Service Centre – Buangkok (CFSC).
Holistic empowerment
Navigating a world that felt harsh and unforgiving, Irene finds solace in no longer facing her financial and emotional battles alone.
“When loneliness or depression looms, I reach out to MWS for help because I must stay strong to take care of my family. The staff are there to listen and counsel me, even when I break down. Though we are not related, they make me feel truly cared for,” said Irene.
“But financial strain weighs heaviest. Money is tight, and I feel very stressed and helpless. Sometimes, I skip meals so my grandchildren can eat.”
Over the years, MWS CFSC has been supporting Irene holistically. Alongside counselling and casework, she receives referrals to vital resources like childcare centres, schools and financial institutions. Irene was also placed on the MWS Family Development Programme (FDP), where every dollar she puts towards clearing debts or saving is matched with $2, helping her move towards financial stability.
An MWS FDP volunteer also journeyed with Irene to build her financial literacy and guide her in managing her finances.
“After clearing my debts and accumulating some savings, my load became lighter. Thanks to this programme, I could finally afford to buy a mattress for my family,” Irene beamed.
While childhood trauma and growing up in a broken family can present significant challenges, individuals can overcome these obstacles with support, resources and resilience. Access to mental health services, financial guidance and supportive relationships can help alleviate the lasting effects of childhood adversity on well-being in adulthood.
Empower families to weather life’s storms today
For families like Irene’s, the worries of daily living are like a constant storm that they cannot find shelter from. MWS journeys alongside families, empowering them to break out of poverty in its various forms, from financial struggles to poor social support and fractured relationships. Your donation helps break the cycle of poverty that persists across generations, providing hope and dignity to over 11,000 individuals and families like Irene’s. Join us in making a difference.
To donate, visit mws.sg/empower-families-through-storms, or scan the QR code.
If you feel that you are unable to cope and have thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, please contact SOS‘ 24-hour hotline 1767, or their 24-hour CareText via WhatsApp 9151 1767.
If you feel you may be at immediate risk of harming yourself, call 995 or approach the A&E department of your nearest hospital.