Bullied teen who ended up in IMH chooses kindness over revenge
At just 17, Stomper Hannah has endured more than most: battling chronic illness, depression and bullying.
However, she says she chooses kindness over revenge.
Hannah told Stomp that she didn't want to be on the news for fame, but "to prove those who looked down on me wrong and to show those struggling like I am that there is a glimpse of hope even when it is very dark."
Her journey demonstrates that resilience is the courage to keep going.
She has had a sensitive stomach since she was young, and in February 2024, severe gastritis and gastroenteritis led to hospitalisation, disrupting her WA1 marks.
By May, a suicide attempt brought her to the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).
She said a doctor dismissed her struggles as "just stress", but Hannah and her Live On psychologist knew it wasn't.
On June 18, 2024, advocacy from her psychologist led to a diagnosis of dysthymia (chronic depression) and anxiety disorder, marking a turning point in her life.
Facing agoraphobia, where some situations felt unsafe with no escape, she used access arrangements to sit her national exams separately.
Uniquely, Hannah took three streams at once: NT-level core subjects, NA-level English, and Express-level Malay. Alongside this, she also earned a Practical Counselling (Basic) certificate from Temasek Polytechnic.
During her time at ITE, Hannah faced bullying and a challenging environment.
Trial-and-error medication and denied requests to transfer campuses prompted her to apply for a medical withdrawal.
She said that Kaplan recognised her determination with her O-level pass in Malay. She also excelled in the English entry test and earned a module exemption, allowing her to continue her studies.
Even now, while navigating her Kaplan foundation diploma, Hannah still bounces in and out of the emergency room but her commitment to education remains unwavering.
She cares for 20 rescued cats, volunteers at KK Women's and Children's Hospital, serves as a youth advisor, and dreams of performing on stage.
She plans to pursue a double specialisation Diploma in Psychology and Counselling to give a voice to children and youths who are often unheard.
Reflecting on her journey, she said: "See me for what I can give, not what I have... It hurts to be bullied, it will change you, but I still choose kindness over revenge because kindness does no harm, but revenge?
"It may cost a life."
Helplines
Mental well-being
- National helpline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp)
- Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp)
- Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
- Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
- Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
- Women's Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)
- The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm)
Counselling
- Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
- Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555
- Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366
- We Care Community Services: 3165-8017
- Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293
- Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990
Online resources
- mindline.sg/fsmh
- eC2.sg
- tinklefriend.sg
- chat.mentalhealth.sg
- carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25)
- limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25)
- shanyou.org.sg
