While researching and reading for another article and a weekly inspiring quote, several similar-sounding titles caught my eye but this was the one that struck a chord. This is not one of the Winnie-the-Pooh stories originally penned by A.A. Milne and it certainly is not among the pool of adaptations created by Disney. Some have called it (and other similar efforts) a parody, others label the work as adaptations. I’ve always quietly liked Winnie-the-Pooh stories so I prefer to think of “It’s Okay To Feel Not Very Okay At All” as a simple story of encouragement.
Enough of the preamble. Here goes:
“Piglet?” said Pooh.
“Yes Pooh?” said Piglet.
“Do you ever have days when everything feels… Not Very Okay At All? And sometimes you don’t even know why you feel Not Very Okay At All, you just know that you do.”
Piglet nodded his head sagely. “Oh yes,” said Piglet. “I definitely have those days.”
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If You Need A Piglet
Everyone has days when they will feel Not Very Okay at all. There will be days when you just need time to think about things and work through them slowly in your mind. Then there are the dark stormy days when events seem particularly trying and they threaten to overwhelm you.
It is always good to talk to a friend, check in with teachers in school and other adults around you:
Your school teacher can refer you to a guidance counsellor or mental health professionals who can help you and are local to your school.
If you are an Elucidation Learning student, you can certainly speak to one of our tutors. Sometimes all you need is a listening ear and a sympathetic voice. If appropriate and where necessary, our tutors will refer you to guidance counselling services and mental health professionals.
If you prefer greater anonymity, you are free to approach one of the following on your own:
Helplines available to the public:
- National Care Hotline: 1800-202-6868
- Samaritans of Singapore 24-hour Hotline: 1800-221-4444
- Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
- Institute of Mental Health: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
- Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788 (for primary school-aged children)
- AWARE Women’s Helpline: 1800-777-555 (10 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday)
- CARE Singapore: 6978 2728 (Mon – Fri: 10am – 5pm)
- TOUCHline (By TOUCH Community Services): 1800 377 2252 (Mon – Fri: 9 am – 6 pm)
- Fei Yue Community Service: https://ec2.sg/
(Live chat Weekdays: 10 am – 12 pm; 2 pm – 5 pm; Closed on Public Holidays)
Do not ever feel like you have to hide the fact that you are feeling Not Very Okay at all. Just as Piglet was there for Pooh (and vice versa), remember you do not have to do it alone.
