ANNABELLE PSYCHOLOGY
周泳伶临床心理诊所
clinical psychologists
Distressing headlines can hijack your nervous system, here’s how to settle it.
Traumatic news can leave you feeling anxious, numb, or on edge, even when it happens far away. If your mind keeps replaying what you saw or read, you are not overreacting. Here are gentle ways to ground yourself, limit overwhelm, and feel steadier again.
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We don’t talk enough about how men feel about their bodies — but that silence doesn’t mean the struggles aren’t real.
Many men struggle with body image but stay silent due to unrealistic expectations and stigma. This article explores why these concerns matter, how they show up, and what steps can help build a healthier relationship with your body.
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If you’ve ever struggled with how you look, or care about someone who does, you may have heard remarks like “you’re just being vain” or “everyone worries about their appearance.”
Many people mistake Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) for vanity. In truth, it’s a deeply distressing mental health condition. Learn why it’s misunderstood and how to support yourself or someone you care about.
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Pregnancy is often described as a glowing and joyful time. But for some women, the reality looks and feels very different.
Pregnancy isn’t always glowing or joyful. For some women, severe nausea and exhaustion take over. Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is more than morning sickness — it’s a serious condition that can affect both body and mind.
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Have you been feeling tired, irritable or emotionally flat lately?
If you are a male over the age of 40, you may be going through andropause.
If you’re a man over 40 and feeling unusually tired, moody, or emotionally flat — you’re not alone. You might be experiencing andropause. Also known as late-onset hypogonadism, andropause refers to a gradual drop in testosterone levels, affecting up to 1 in 4 Singaporean men. The changes aren’t just physical — they can impact your mood, motivation, sleep, and even self-worth. Here’s how to recognise the signs and take steps towards feeling more like yourself again.
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Being called manipulative can feel painful and confusing. Before you take the label to heart, pause to reflect on what it means, where it came from and whether it may point to deeper patterns. Here are some gentle steps you can take to understand yourself with compassion.
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Regardless of whether it's a friendship, a romantic relationship, or a family setting, conflicts do happen, and it is normal.
Conflicts are a natural part of every relationship, yet they often leave us feeling unsettled, misunderstood, or emotionally drained. Whether it is with a partner, friend or family member, disagreements can strain even the strongest bonds when they are left unspoken or unresolved. The good news is that conflict does not have to be harmful. With the right approach, it can become an opportunity to understand each other better and build a healthier, more resilient relationship.
In this article, we explore simple, practical ways to navigate disagreements with care. From staying calm in heated moments to communicating early and listening with empathy, these strategies can help both parties feel heard and supported. If you are hoping to handle future conflicts with more clarity and confidence, this guide offers a gentle place to begin.
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Emotional wellbeing is the foundation of a healthy, well-balanced life.
Emotional wellbeing needs regular care, especially when life feels busy or overwhelming. These six practical tips can help you feel steadier, one small step at a time.
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Feeling like you're never doing enough at work? You're not alone.
When the pressure to perform perfectly becomes constant, it can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout. This article explores five practical strategies to help you manage high personal expectations at work — from shifting your mindset to setting realistic goals and letting go of unhelpful comparisons. Learn how to stay productive without compromising your wellbeing.
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Arguments and tension are part of every relationship, but repeated conflict—especially during stressful times like fertility treatments—can take a toll on your emotional wellbeing.
According to the Gottman Method couples therapy, most conflicts are not meant to be resolved but managed with care and understanding. The key is learning how to talk about them in a way that keeps you connected. Here are some ways to improve communication and stay close, even when things feel tough.
Start gently, especially when bringing up a sensitive topic. Use “I” statements like, “I feel overwhelmed when I have to manage appointments alone” instead of “You never help”. This shift avoids blame and shows you want to work towards a solution. Make space for your partner’s perspective and try to keep your tone and body language calm. Even during emotional moments, a gentle approach helps your partner stay open rather than defensive.
Being open to your partner’s input shows mutual respect. That could look like saying “good point” when they raise something valid or finding a shared goal that matters to both of you. It’s not about giving in. It’s about listening, compromising, and recognising that no one gets everything in a relationship, but both can feel valued. Especially during high-stress times like a fertility journey, showing flexibility can make both of you feel more supported.
When things get heated, pause to cool down. Take a walk, breathe deeply, or share a small laugh. The aim isn’t to avoid conflict, but to navigate it without burning out. Even something as simple as holding hands during an argument can reset the emotional tone.
Compromise means finding a path forward that honours both your needs. Start by asking: What’s most important to me? What can I be flexible about? Look for shared goals, like wanting to feel emotionally close or making decisions as a team. Then work together toward a temporary or long-term solution.
Some issues won’t go away and that’s okay. What matters is how you talk about them. Revisit ongoing challenges with kindness, curiosity, and patience. These aren’t one-time conversations, but ongoing opportunities for connection.
Balance the tough moments with small positive ones. A quick hug, a shared smile, or a moment of empathy can go a long way. Aim for five positive interactions for every difficult one to keep the emotional connection strong.
Arguments can take a toll on your body. Do calming things together like deep breathing, stretching, or just lying down beside each other without talking. These small resets help your nervous systems regulate so you’re not in fight-or-flight mode all the time.
Get curious about the deeper meaning behind disagreements. Ask: “What’s your ideal outcome here?” or “Is there something from your past that makes this especially important to you?” These questions help you connect with each other’s hopes and vulnerabilities, understanding their struggles and why they choose to make certain decisions.
You won’t always agree and that’s okay. What matters is feeling seen and heard. Ask your partner, “Why is this so important to you?” and listen to their values or emotional history. This builds a bridge between your differences instead of turning them into barriers.
At the heart of every strong relationship is a shared commitment to understanding and growth. Communication during conflict isn’t just about fixing problems. It’s about showing up for each other, even during times of frustration. It takes effort from both partners to listen openly, manage differences with care, and stay emotionally connected.
By practicing these skills together, you can build a relationship that weathers disputes and emerges stronger on the other side. However, if conflicts persist, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Professional guidance can help mend the connection that once was.
This article was created in collaboration with LELO.