Sometimes, emotional stress and excessive thoughts can be so overwhelming that they affect one's physical function. Mdm C, 79, has struggled with anxiety and depression much of her life. Recently, she developed weakness in her legs which affected her ability to walk, even though she was not suffering from any physical condition. She was hospitalized for inpatient rehabilitation.

In the ward, Mdm C was visited by our hospital's Chaplain, Ong Yao Min. Yao Min realized that she tended to ruminate in her negative thoughts, which stemmed from her sense of guilt and self-blame over past mistakes. With empathy, Yao Min guided her in reframing her perspective.

Slowly, she started to think more positively, see meaning in her life and felt hopeful about the future. Mdm C reached out to befriend the neighbouring patients as she wanted to encourage them through her own experiences.

Mdm C was later transferred to a nursing home. When Yao Min visited her, he was surprised to see her walking towards him without any walking aid! "She told me that she had totally changed her mind-set, and was now happy and comfortable with her situation," said Yao Min.

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