# data[].attributes.headline
what pushes you to study in secondary school? (Kailek)

# data[].attributes.subject
what pushes you to study in secondary school? (Kailek)

# data[].attributes.body
What pushed me to study in secondary school is that it’s, like, my friends all and the consistently great results that came out, which help me to continue working hard for my studies.

# data[].attributes.headline
who and what inspired you regarding academics? (Kai Lek)

# data[].attributes.subject
who and what inspired you regarding academics? (Kai Lek)

# data[].attributes.body
it was like my interest in chemistry and physics that first motivated me to do well in academics. Because when I got back my results, I was top in the class, which I found it was hard to believe back then. But then now, looking back, it was because of the consistent amount of hard work that I was willing to put in that made it happen. And that made me realize that if I put in the same amount of effort for the other subjects, I can make it as well. And the other factor that kind of motivated me in academics is that I have great friends who have the same mindset, and they consistently encourage me and help me in my studies.

# data[].attributes.body
Wei Jun
22 yrs old
Finished N levels, NiTech and higher NiTech
Now at Singapore Polytechnic Course DISM
Likes to learn knowledge from online sites and watch Anime

# data[].attributes.body
Selena
Finished O levels 2 years ago
18 yrs old
Likes to sleep and play badminton

# data[].attributes.headline
what pushes you to do well in school? (Anaqi)

# data[].attributes.subject
what pushes you to do well in school? (Anaqi)

# data[].attributes.body
Since I am from a normal technical, I always want to prove myself to others that.

My stream doesn't define me.

# data[].attributes.body
We want to encourage secondary school students with academic stress in Singapore to seek help. Singapore is known for its vigorous education programs that cause many students to become stressed and eventually break down, harming themselves and those around them.

# data[].attributes.headline
So you said that you well went and talked to your mother, your family basically. What about your friends and close friends? Do you have any?

# data[].attributes.subject
So you said that you well went and talked to your mother, your family basically. What about your friends and close friends? Do you have any?

# data[].attributes.body
I do have but I don't really talk to them about this.
(Interviewer: "You don't really confide?" )
I don't confide in friends.

# data[].attributes.headline
Are you comfortable socialising with people?

# data[].attributes.subject
Are you comfortable socialising with people?

# data[].attributes.body
Actually very comfortable. But it also depends on the other person as well because I'm quite extroverted. So I got no problem sometimes. But then on some occasions, like no matter how extroverted you are, the people around you are like very introvert. So like, they don't really talk a lot. So that kills my mood also lah. And I feel like poly, I've come across like these kind of people. So yeah

# data[].attributes.body
Anaqi
Just finished O levels
17 yrs old
Loves to do art in his free time

# data[].attributes.body
Kai Lek
Finished N levels 4 years ago
20 years old
Likes coding & programming

# data[].attributes.headline
Did the circuit breaker affect your academics

# data[].attributes.subject
Did the circuit breaker affect your academics

# data[].attributes.body
Yeah, actually, it affected me slightly because during circuit breaker when like, teachers were doing their lessons online, right. I was alone. I was alone at home trying to figure out What is the teacher saying because usually that in a physical setting I usually ask my friend, Oh what did this teachers say like can you explain to me, but then at home I cannot ask that and asking on WhatsApp like a bit distracting also  for my friends also so I tend not to ask anyone then like if so usually online lessons I get very lost so so usually when I get lost I don't know what the teacher is talking anymore than I kind of just tune out ah, so I have a lot of like things to catch up after right once the lesson and so I think like it kind of like made me not understand some like some topics for certain subjects and stuff so whatever was taught during circuit breaker was like the weaker topics for those subjects. So if you so like when those questions come out in exam we affected lah, it affected my grades of course.

# data[].attributes.headline
Are you comfortable socializing with people?

# data[].attributes.subject
Are you comfortable socializing with people?

# data[].attributes.body
Actually, I'm not very comfortable with socializing with people.

That I am not close with.

However, I am very comfortable with socializing with a friend or close friend that.

I'm very close with.

# data[].attributes.body
But the most recent one that came to my head is the circuit breaker period. Because at that time, it was very new to all of us, like home based learning and everything. So it's quite a memorable experience. Because like, the teachers were so caring.
The teachers were so caring. And yeah, they were quite nice. And then I got closer if some of the teachers also lah. So during that period of time, I basically texted like, one teacher every single week.
Yeah, just to check up on each other because I couldn't go anywhere. And I was losing my sanity as well. Yeah, so that was a very horrible experience, because I'm not someone that will stay at home for like a long period of time. So usually, I go out, like, at least once a week, but during the break, I couldn't go out at all and my parents ran the errands for us, so I couldn't go anywhere. Yeah, so that was very memorable.

# data[].attributes.headline
When you feel stress what are your symptoms?

# data[].attributes.subject
When you feel stress what are your symptoms?

# data[].attributes.body
I will feel like very restless and I just can't focus on doing work

# data[].attributes.headline
Are you comfortable socialising with others?

# data[].attributes.subject
Are you comfortable socialising with others?

# data[].attributes.body
Yes, but it depends on the age group as you see some more younger kids are much easier to befriend and click with. But with more older people and it's hard to find a common ground for conversation.

# data[].attributes.body
Oh, I don't like it when people reply very slow.
I hate it so much. Yeah, I know. I don't reply a lot also ah but I hate it when people do that to me. Yeah, that's  what makes me most frustrated, especially like, group projects in poly. Right? You have to like get their responses on WhatsApp. And then like some people they don't read your message or reply when they read it really. But they don't they don't reply right. Wah I hate this kind of people eh especially when your deadline is coming? Yeah. And I need answers ASAP. Then they don't do it. I know.
But im very responsive Okay, when I need answers. I'm very responsive

# data[].attributes.headline
Have you had any bad experiences in secondary school? 

# data[].attributes.subject
Have you had any bad experiences in secondary school? 

# data[].attributes.body
Bad experience okay, then then. Okay, now that you say it I have one yes. Okay. So in sec one and sec two I used to have this bunch of friends that you know, so and apparently we don't really get along well with each other and like, they're quite toxic also. So like they will try to pull me down. If I get like if I get grades that are higher than them they will like try to pull me down and stuff like that. And if things go wrong in that way, they will push it on me they push the blame on me that makes me think like what did i even do you know? Yeah, not Slay

# data[].attributes.headline
What's your most memorable experience in secondary school?

# data[].attributes.subject
What's your most memorable experience in secondary school?

# data[].attributes.body
So the my memorable experiences like during a period of time, so it's more of like, during the lower secondary, normally during like my CCA hours, where we have like, fun time after school.

# data[].attributes.headline
How often do you have a hard time feeling relaxed?

# data[].attributes.subject
How often do you have a hard time feeling relaxed?

# data[].attributes.body
Like a few times a day for me.There's a lot of pressure for me on how to understand the concept I learned in class and then apply it into my work.

# data[].attributes.headline
Can you tell me a bit about how you experience stress?

# data[].attributes.subject
Can you tell me a bit about how you experience stress?

# data[].attributes.body
The sensation you feel like maybe like lonely,feel like giving up or self-doubt within you.Whenever I feel stressed, I always feel very overwhelmed, and I feel like.I'm not achieving the goals I set for myself, yeah.I was very unmotivated to continue like my studies or like to pursue my goals.

# data[].attributes.headline
Okay, so you know, how some people are naturally, very bad at studying and those that are naturally very good and studying. What are your opinions on that?

# data[].attributes.subject
Okay, so you know, how some people are naturally, very bad at studying and those that are naturally very good and studying. What are your opinions on that?

# data[].attributes.body
Yes. Good for them lor.
Okay, well, I mean, actually, I think, naturally good or bad in studies? I think it comes from youngit comes from young, like, some of my privileged friends, like they have tuition from young. So have you having tuition from young and consistently going to tuition actually helps a lot with than being an academically gifted, not say gifted. But yeah, they're more smart in that sense. But for my less privileged friends, they don't really go tuition. So like, they're not that. Yeah, essentially. It's not really like, born kind of thing. I would say. I mean, I was born smart. Then what happen to me now.
You get you get me I was I was that one. I was that little kid last time. That knew how plants photosynthesize when I was a little kid. Like, like, literally when I was four years old. I knew how plants photosynthesize and stuff like that. But as I grow older, I don't even know what happened to this society. Yeah, so you see, yeah, so it because I don’t have tuition also. Also, I think they changed things.

# data[].attributes.headline
Did you ever go for therapy and counselling? 

# data[].attributes.subject
Did you ever go for therapy and counselling? 

# data[].attributes.body
I think I did once in primary 2. Yeah, my dad sent me for counselling for some random reason. And I think like, because it was done against my will. So I was not very comfortable that entire time. I didn't want to share like my issues. So the entire counselling session was not very fruitful. I would say Yeah. Other than that no, in secondary school. I was a peer supporter. I helped people. Yeah. And yeah, and I don't know what happened to the peer support thing because nobody came to me.

# data[].attributes.headline
how do you think Singapore feels towards those mental health issues?

# data[].attributes.subject
how do you think Singapore feels towards those mental health issues?

# data[].attributes.body
I think generally, they are still accepting because from what I know, the unemployment rate is so low is like 2% in Singapore, so it's not really that high. So I think in Singapore, they tend to overlook the tend not care about your mental health issues. I think as long as it's not too serious like that, you cannot get out of bed or whatsoever. Yeah, so like, Yeah, I think this not say they don't care, they probably care. But at the same time, they look at your qualifications more than whatever mental health you know, if you're smart, you're talented, who cares? But you got depression, I want you kind of thing. Yeah.

# data[].attributes.headline
what are your thoughts on people with mental health issues?

# data[].attributes.subject
what are your thoughts on people with mental health issues?

# data[].attributes.body
My thoughts areee. I think personally, I don't care.Yeah. I mean, yeah, I think I really don't care. Because to me, they are still a person a person with feeling lah whatsoever, so I tYeah. If they text me like, oh my god, goodbyes, and then I'll be like, Oh, my God, no, no, no.
eat them normally I how I always do.
and maybe they just look out for them a bit more. But I don't I still don't really care about them
(Interviewer) Only if it affects you lah?

# data[].attributes.headline
What do you think are the thoughts of those around that person, which is the person going for therapy?

# data[].attributes.subject
What do you think are the thoughts of those around that person, which is the person going for therapy?

# data[].attributes.body
I will say, I think Singaporeans don't acre, in general, but unless the person that is going for therapy or counselling has issues, for example, ok you and I know there is like this one person. You And I know that there is this one person. He's  was the class monitor for our class. And he was
he basically, his behaviour was not very friendly. Not very friendly. He's very teacher's pet ok being just nothing but when you kind of snitch on the class, even though the class has agreed on something
that makes you a bad person. And so when I think when his depression got worse and stuff like that, I think the students around the students that know that he has depression, we're not very nice to him.
Yeah. They were not very nice to him and what what happened? I think, yeah, the students also made fun of his depression and stuff like that. Yeah. Yeah. So the moral of the story is don't be an ass

# data[].attributes.headline
if you yourself went to therapy or counselling, in your past secondary school setting do you think anyone would care.

# data[].attributes.subject
if you yourself went to therapy or counselling, in your past secondary school setting do you think anyone would care.

# data[].attributes.body
I don’t think people would care about me. Maybe? Because I have a good support of friends that will care for me yeah so they will definitely care. And if you miss lessons and stuff the teacher will ask like where you go lah and stuff like that. Yeah so I think those are acts of care

# data[].attributes.headline
Considering you go to family, instead of a counsellor? Why do you prefer your family over counsellor?

# data[].attributes.subject
Considering you go to family, instead of a counsellor? Why do you prefer your family over counsellor?

# data[].attributes.body
My family is like they understand me more much better than they tend to like. They can make. It's not like counsellor cannot but then. It's like my family. I can like trust them to keep the info really confidential. Whatever stays in this family in the family.
(Interviewer: Do you suggest that you're not very confident in the secrecy of the counsellor?)
It's not. I It's not that I'm not confident that is more of like, I'm not comfortable.

# data[].attributes.headline
Do you think teachers are a good support system for students mental health wise

# data[].attributes.subject
Do you think teachers are a good support system for students mental health wise

# data[].attributes.body
Actually I don’t know
(Interviewer) Ok lets say, a student wants to reach out to their teacher, do you think it’s a good idea
Ok so yeah I think it’s a good idea so first and foremost teachers are adults mah so they should have more experience in life. So they have the wisdom to guide us students to the correct path and stuff like that so er yeah. When  you voice your opinions to the teacher. Maybe the teacher has been doing something that affects your self esteem, then if you let the teacher know, the teacher will be like oh im so sorry for that, like they will take note of their actions. But if they don’t take note of their actions then haha. Then they are not a good support system lah but majority of the teachers from what I know lah, care about their students. So of course it’s a very good base to start with.

# data[].attributes.headline
Do you think most students will be comfortable with talking to their teachers regularly

# data[].attributes.subject
Do you think most students will be comfortable with talking to their teachers regularly

# data[].attributes.body
I would say no because sporeans are generally quite introverted so they tend to stay within their own circle. And they also view teachers as like strict, like how you know you view your parents like. But actually teachers right are just normal human beings that are fun, in boomer terms but they are still fun yeah. So not a lot of people know that

# data[].attributes.headline
do you think its important for secondary students to study well

# data[].attributes.subject
do you think its important for secondary students to study well

# data[].attributes.body
Secondary school wise, if you don’t have a place you want to go, if you don’t know whether you want to go to jc or what to do in poly then theres no need to do well because ultimately u have no goal anyways so whatever score you get is whatever you get into and you have to suck it up anyways. But if u have a goal for example I want to do business in Singapore poly then obviously that’s where you have a goal to work hard to lah, so it depends on their prioritys

# data[].attributes.headline
how does it affect the relationship of your family?

# data[].attributes.subject
how does it affect the relationship of your family?

# data[].attributes.body
Since school takes up a lot of time in my daily life, it gives me less time to spend with my family so every time if my parents had to go out and maybe like have dinner or like maybe go shopping.

I mostly must decline as I had to study or I'm just very exhausted from your day.
This has caused a sudden drift in our relationship.Personally, as we are not able to like.Click anymore due to the amount of time not spent together.

# data[].attributes.headline
How do you experience stress? Tell us about the feeling and sensation you feel when you're stressed.

# data[].attributes.subject
How do you experience stress? Tell us about the feeling and sensation you feel when you're stressed.

# data[].attributes.body
I often experience stress when I am in a group project or when I worry about subjects that I don't quite understand well because it might affect your GPA and you keep thinking that it might affect your future, which makes me feel like giving up sometimes uh.

# data[].attributes.headline
Alright, that's fine. What kind of mental health issues are you familiar with? Any thoughts?

# data[].attributes.subject
Alright, that's fine. What kind of mental health issues are you familiar with? Any thoughts?

# data[].attributes.body
No except for pressure from parents...

# data[].attributes.headline
That's great. So are you comfortable with socializing with people? 

# data[].attributes.subject
That's great. So are you comfortable with socializing with people? 

# data[].attributes.body
Yeah, I'm comfortable with it. Just there are sometimes at the beginning, I'm not really comfortable. Unless I know like the person really already then I will become more comfortable after I like known for a long time.
(Interviewer: So you're more comfortable with long, long time acquaintances? )
Yeah like close friends.

# data[].attributes.headline
What mental health issues are you familiar with?

# data[].attributes.subject
What mental health issues are you familiar with?

# data[].attributes.body
Depression anxiety. Bipolar disorder identities, quite a few.

# data[].attributes.body
yes, during my studies, I do something, but it's like very temporary, like depression. So, like mostly I feel like very like down with myself and like I'll beat myself up saying bad things about myself or when I don't understand concept in class or why can't I do this paper properly?

But then when I meet my friends via discord it makes me feel more relaxed , I appreciate myself more.

# data[].attributes.headline
What inspires you regarding your academics? What pushes you to study (Selena)

# data[].attributes.subject
What inspires you regarding your academics? What pushes you to study (Selena)

# data[].attributes.body
actually, nothing? Nothing but um, okay. Okay, if I were to do it for myself, it's definitely nothing but I used to during my second secondary school yeah during my secondary school times I used to, like, stan a certain idol group that has disbanded but during that during that period of time, they actually motivated me to like actually do study and do well and get a good job so that I can when I grow older, I can spend my money on their merch merchandise. Yes. And all that. So yeah, no, they were like one of the pushing factors now for me to earn to study well, get a good job and get money and another thing is that my grandmother actually passed away in 2020. So So during that period of time, like she, she, she didn't have like much expectations of my studies. For her it was like more of like passing Okay, that's all matters So okay, so So of course that if I get good grades, she will be happy lah. So okay, I made a promise to her that okay, I should do well and study well and get a good job and get money to have a comfortable life. So yeah, that's what pushes me on.

# data[].attributes.headline
What are your thoughts on people with mental health issues?

# data[].attributes.subject
What are your thoughts on people with mental health issues?

# data[].attributes.body
I mean, as a society we should really like support them and accept them for who they are, because it is not really their fault that they have mental health issues.

It is just that maybe their environment or their surroundings has caused them to develop these mental health issues.

It could be certain personal issues that they have faced, like at home that causes the Issues to form.

So as like people a more sociable people.

We should always support them.

Asking how they are every day or like keeping in touch with them so that We know that this person is healthy and like still breathing.

# data[].attributes.headline
Just what pushed you on during those two years? (Referring to last 2 years in Secondary school) I know you say academic, you managed to relieve your stress. But then what push you onto aspire greater to try and reach your goals despite all the stress. (Wei Jun)

# data[].attributes.subject
Just what pushed you on during those two years? (Referring to last 2 years in Secondary school) I know you say academic, you managed to relieve your stress. But then what push you onto aspire greater to try and reach your goals despite all the stress. (Wei Jun)

# data[].attributes.body
At that time I didn't really have much motivation except for my family, especially my mom taught me into continuing and my form teachers at a time they usually do parents teacher meeting they would like try to encourage me right in front of my parents. So those are like some of the factors that pushed me onwards.
...
(Interviewer: "how did you get talked into continuing?" )
My teachers and parents, just say that you have studied for three years. I mean, in secondary school. So you work so hard before? Why waste the effort now?

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What cost (correction: caused) the most stress in secondary school (Wei Jun)

# data[].attributes.subject
What cost (correction: caused) the most stress in secondary school (Wei Jun)

# data[].attributes.body
I think the majority is like putting pressure on myself for getting good results.

# data[].attributes.headline
what part of academics stressed you out (Selena)

# data[].attributes.subject
what part of academics stressed you out (Selena)

# data[].attributes.body
Okay, so sec 1 and sec 2 was generally fine, but once you go to like sec 3 and sec 4 is completely different from what you learned in sec one sec two. So like, even the questions that they asked is not so straightforward and like you really have to link them up. And I was like not even though I understood the concept, it was very hard for me to link up. What I want to say to the question itself. So, yeah, so that was like, yeah.

# data[].attributes.headline
What did you think caused you the most stress in secondary school (Selena)

# data[].attributes.subject
What did you think caused you the most stress in secondary school (Selena)

# data[].attributes.body
Academics lah what else if not what else

# data[].attributes.headline
What causes the most stress in secondary school? (Kai Lek)

# data[].attributes.subject
What causes the most stress in secondary school? (Kai Lek)

# data[].attributes.body
The thing that causes the most stress in secondary school is when like when I had to compete in a competition for my CCA and also cope with my studies at the same time which is kind of like difficult because it was near the n levels examination period.

# data[].attributes.headline
What are your opinions of Singapore's education system for specifically a secondary school (Selena)

# data[].attributes.subject
What are your opinions of Singapore's education system for specifically a secondary school (Selena)

# data[].attributes.body
okay, what should I say, ok, err when I was like in secondary school I didn't see as like a point in learning you know, like algebra or whatsoever but now that like in Poly, I realised that Okay, actually, it is important to know the fundamentals because it helps your brain to like connect what you learn how we apply and how your mind like twist it up and face different complex situations. So this the Yeah, so I see a point in learning whatever we've done in secondary school, but then you can see it another way that we learn too much things. So sometimes, a lot of students like just learn it and forget about it. Like, honestly, who even knows how plants photosynthesize anymore? Actually ok I also know lah but
But how many people know how algebra? Not a lot of people? Actually I know actually, I still know about.
But my point still stands. Okay. Do you still even remember the periodic table? No, you don't know
Shut up. But you know, they also don't remember. About the reaction the reaction table? Yeah. See? Nobody remembers anymore so its not important
yeah, so I think that the education system is not slay Yeah, I can do like a more hands on, I will say more hands on, so that the students understand what they are learning applies, in real world, as well. Yeah. And if, and also, because we are going on to a more like, more team work based kind of situation in the workforce. So it's good to like, start having group projects in secondary school, so that people know how to work with one another, and not be a bitch in poly.

# data[].attributes.headline
What do you think about Singapore's education system? (Kai Lek)

# data[].attributes.subject
What do you think about Singapore's education system? (Kai Lek)

# data[].attributes.body
Okay. I find that Singapore's education system is difficult because they are trying to meet like trying to have high standards for jobs so that everybody can do well in their jobs. However, I also feel that even though it's difficult. It is good because you also offer other people different pathways to get into tertiary education. So even though it's difficult, even though people might feel like they are national exams, they are still able to get into tertiary education, which helps a lot. Then I also feel that even though this education system is good, there are some improvements that can be made, which is like because Singapore’s education system focuses mainly on academy, but it's not focusing on the creativity side of things.

# data[].attributes.headline
Besides your art teacher,do you ever talk to the other teachers in school? If you're facing troubles?

# data[].attributes.subject
Besides your art teacher,do you ever talk to the other teachers in school? If you're facing troubles?

# data[].attributes.body
When it comes to like personal issues or like friendship issues that I I feel like we should talk about it Immediately, and some of my teachers are to me are very untrustable or very hard to talk to due to them being very.

Due to their personalities or their current latitudes in class or later.

# data[].attributes.headline
What do you think about Singapore's education system? (Wei Jun)

# data[].attributes.subject
What do you think about Singapore's education system? (Wei Jun)

# data[].attributes.body
In terms of all levels?
(Interviewer: You have experienced primary school and secondary school. So talk about these two please. )
Okay. So for these two I feel that they're to focused on results like this on our result, we tend to differentiate, right? So if you didn't make it to cut off, basically, if you didn't make it to the expense column (correction: express course), when you would just go to a normal, normal tech. So it's like very focused on results.

# data[].attributes.headline
What do you think about Singapore's education system in general? (Anaqi)

# data[].attributes.subject
What do you think about Singapore's education system in general? (Anaqi)

# data[].attributes.body
It's a very competitive and stressful environment, as even smart students are still trying to.Be like the most smartest student in Singapore.Yeah, so it's a lot of academic stress on students.Then it leads to a lot of unhealthy methods of stressing, mostly self-harm or substance abuse.

# data[].attributes.headline
Do you have pressure from those around you to do well academically? (Anaqi)

# data[].attributes.subject
Do you have pressure from those around you to do well academically? (Anaqi)

# data[].attributes.body
Not really those from around me, but personally I put pressure on myself to achieve higher and to get good grades.

# data[].attributes.headline
Do you ever receive pressure from those around you to do well? (Kai Lek)

# data[].attributes.subject
Do you ever receive pressure from those around you to do well? (Kai Lek)

# data[].attributes.body
Yeah, definitely. But I took it in Positively. Because I always want to make it a challenge for myself that I have to like to beat them next time. I find that people should think of it this way rather than take it in negatively because that might not be good for your mental health and your academics.

# data[].attributes.headline
Do you ever receive pressure from those around you to do well? (Selena)

# data[].attributes.subject
Do you ever receive pressure from those around you to do well? (Selena)

# data[].attributes.body
Well, of course lah all the damn time bro we live in an Asian society, what do you mean no stress? Yeah, but from my parents or from my parents or even my brother also because my brother is he's literally an A star like student? Yeah, and I over here barely passing so of course. Yeah, so of course got a lot of comparisons between me and my brother so and because I didn't get I don't get as good grades as he do. So like, sometimes he can belittle me so makes me very angry. Yeah, then my grand father also. He cares more about education. Very important. So yes, so of course a lot of stress.

# data[].attributes.headline
So did you have pressure on the pressure from those around you to do work academically? (Wei Jun)

# data[].attributes.subject
So did you have pressure on the pressure from those around you to do work academically? (Wei Jun)

# data[].attributes.body
No actually but is more of like myself like, cause in terms of the math subject that I said, I don't give myself pressure on that but I give myself pressure on those subjects that I like for example my science. So I will try to do well for that subject instead. But in terms of like my peers or my family right they don't.

# data[].attributes.headline
So you spoke about how you felt unfocused, extremely tense when you have academic stress. How did you experience during these two years? (Upper Secondary)

# data[].attributes.subject
So you spoke about how you felt unfocused, extremely tense when you have academic stress. How did you experience during these two years? (Upper Secondary)

# data[].attributes.body
...
(When) I feel that I can't take it anymore I will just stop and then look for my family to like speak to them.

# data[].attributes.headline
Do you talk to your family members regarding your problem?

# data[].attributes.subject
Do you talk to your family members regarding your problem?

# data[].attributes.body
I feel like my own personal issues are very a bit more complicated and it's very difficult for them to like.

Understand from my point of view.

And sometimes the advice they give might be very one-sided and it's not the advice I'm looking for at time and moment.

# data[].attributes.headline
During the last two years of secondary school, you felt much more academic stress. Am I correct?

# data[].attributes.subject
During the last two years of secondary school, you felt much more academic stress. Am I correct?

# data[].attributes.body
Yup.
(Interviewer: And so how did you feel during that period? )
Overwhelmed, overwhelmed, overwhelmed and afraid of not being able to achieve what I want to achieve during that within that short period. And I feel like there's a lack of time.

# data[].attributes.headline
do you think there's enough done in the community for students to cope with academic stress? (Selena)

# data[].attributes.subject
do you think there's enough done in the community for students to cope with academic stress? (Selena)

# data[].attributes.body
Actually no, not enough? Not enough? Okay. I know like the psle system has changed. They say is like for lesser stress, but all I see is more stress. Because last time, the very top grade that you can get is obviously a star, which is like 90 and above. But honestly, in in psle, nobody really aims for a a star lah. Everybody just aims for a. about 75, 85 80. Yeah, around there. Yeah. But now they changed the very first grade to, I think 90 something and above. Yeah. So actually, when you put like grade one, something like that, actually, a lot of a lot of children feel like, hey, I need to get a grade one, because grade one is like the best of this. So I think that leads to like more pressure because grade one is harder to get. And also, because I think theres one of the grades in PSLE. That has a very large gap. That I think, is like 40 something  to 60 something. Yeah, for that one grade. So obviously, a lot of people want to avoid that range.
So that leads to a lot of stress. So I don't think the government is trying to solve it properly. And if they want to solve it properly, right, they could cut down on maybe the number of topics that we have to study per year. Because a lot of times the topics cannot be like completely covered in normal school. So he has to be covered in like supplementary lessons, which makes no sense.
It Makes no sense when you actually think about it. Right? Because after school people are supposed to relax, do their own things, but end up people have to go for another lesson to catch up on the topic. So cutting down the topics is good. And I think like it happened during the covid period when like, during level period, we cut out some stuff. So it lessens our stress lah so yeah, especially organic chemistry.
So they should definitely cut down on the topics that we have to learn. Yeah, yeah. And also, I think one of the more common common things that the government tries to do when students are under stress is to go for therapy counselling, but actually some time isn't it's not a long term solution. It's just a short term. So the long term should be thinking about how to change our education system such that is more lighter for students especially young kids.

# data[].attributes.headline
Do you think there is enough that is being done in the community to help students cope with academic stress? (Anaqi)

# data[].attributes.subject
Do you think there is enough that is being done in the community to help students cope with academic stress? (Anaqi)

# data[].attributes.body
I feel there have been some Initiated from the government to improve the mental health or many students like counseling or like bonding between the classes.
But it is very niche, and it's not really affected sometimes such as school counselors.Students may not feel very safe to see them as information might leak towards their teachers or their parents, which can really affect them deeply when it comes to mental health or personal issues.
So, there is more that could be done by both the teachers and government to improve students' lives.

# data[].attributes.headline
Do you think there's enough done in the community to help students to cope with academic stress? (Wei Jun)

# data[].attributes.subject
Do you think there's enough done in the community to help students to cope with academic stress? (Wei Jun)

# data[].attributes.body
I think there are ways to like the things done in the community, but then it's not enough yet. Like you have like facility like those counselling, right? But then not a lot of students tend to visit due to like peer pressure like social stigma.

# data[].attributes.headline
What causes the most stress in secondary school?

# data[].attributes.subject
What causes the most stress in secondary school?

# data[].attributes.body
The thing that causes the most stress in secondary school is when like when I had to compete in a competition for my CCA and also cope with my studies at the same time which is kind of like difficult because it was near the n levels examination period.

# data[].attributes.headline
Do you think that's enough done in the community to help students cope with academic stress? (Kai Lek)

# data[].attributes.subject
Do you think that's enough done in the community to help students cope with academic stress? (Kai Lek)

# data[].attributes.body
I think that there is not enough done in the community to help students to cope with their stress because a lot of students don't get enough encouragement to start talking about their mental health issues to their counselor or their friends or family because that's very bad la.

# data[].attributes.headline
Who would you go to when you needed help regarding academic stress? (Anaqi)

# data[].attributes.subject
Who would you go to when you needed help regarding academic stress? (Anaqi)

# data[].attributes.body
Mostly my friends or my art teacher.

When it comes to academic stresses, they can personally understand me.

They can give me advice on how to deal with this kind of stress.

# data[].attributes.headline
have you ever felt the need for someone to listen to you about your troubles? (Anaqi)

# data[].attributes.subject
have you ever felt the need for someone to listen to you about your troubles? (Anaqi)

# data[].attributes.body
For me, I have my friends who would.

Whenever I have issues, or I have problems that I want to rant about to them.
They always give me a listening ear and it is very safe with them, and I have a deep appreciation for them being my friends.

# data[].attributes.headline
who would you go to when you needed help regarding academic stress?(Kai Lek)

# data[].attributes.subject
who would you go to when you needed help regarding academic stress?(Kai Lek)

# data[].attributes.body
I would go out with my friends, and close friends to hang out and have a meal together. Then we talk about things that we worry about during our hangouts and study sessions, which I find that it helped me a lot.

# data[].attributes.headline
where do you go for help when you have this like academic stress (Selena)

# data[].attributes.subject
where do you go for help when you have this like academic stress (Selena)

# data[].attributes.body
Mainly I keep to myself a lot. And watch Idol group shows because it takes my mind off stuff. But as I grow older I tend to reach out to my friends and complain to them because we were complaining we complain everyday every time yeah and recently even closer to my teachers also then I'll complain to my teachers also

# data[].attributes.headline
what other outlets do you know of when it comes to releasing you thought on? (Anaqi)

# data[].attributes.subject
what other outlets do you know of when it comes to releasing you thought on? (Anaqi)

# data[].attributes.body
Mostly on the digital like space, like on the Internet.When like when you use discord all.Because some students play games.
They make friends online.so, they can share their post like issues with their online friends, but it's a very unsafe space. This kind of person in the digital space might be very controversial or like very constantly have a very conservative mindset.

# data[].attributes.headline
Have you ever felt the need for someone to listen to you about your troubles or bad experiences (Selena)

# data[].attributes.subject
Have you ever felt the need for someone to listen to you about your troubles or bad experiences (Selena)

# data[].attributes.body
I think at that time, yes, I was quite desperate. But, But ultimately, I just forget about it anyways lah. Because I still have homework to do. Yeah So this this kind of feeling like just left uncapped, yes. Never settled. Yes. unsettled.

# data[].attributes.headline
Have you ever thought or did you ever go to a therapy or counselling session in school? (Kai Lek)

# data[].attributes.subject
Have you ever thought or did you ever go to a therapy or counselling session in school? (Kai Lek)

# data[].attributes.body
I didn't because I keep quiet about my mental health issues, and I was afraid that I will be judged by others. So, I only talk to like my close friends about it and ask them for advice on how to cope with it, to have words of encouragement from them.

# data[].attributes.headline
if you had a chance now, would you go to therapy or counselling? (Selena)

# data[].attributes.subject
if you had a chance now, would you go to therapy or counselling? (Selena)

# data[].attributes.body
100% Yes. I think I have a lot of issues to fix. Really, I'm not kidding. Okay. I I really got a lot of issues. I need to fix myself. Yeah, but, but one thing is, of course, bring it up to my parents is one thing lah. Obviously, in an Asian household, they be like there's no such thing as mental health issues. No, no, no, no, you've got anything. You just talk to me your father. You know this kind of Asian household. Yeah. Yeah, but some things you don’t want to just want to talk to your parents, right. So of course, of course I need therapy
I have a lot of issues also but er
Yeah, but the next thing will be money wise money.
I think therapy is too expensive to go to? Yeah. And also number three is im scared of the complications lah that because once you like, what if they diagnose you with something, then after that, right, that will be in your record for life? And then that might affect what? What jobs you get in the future. So yeah, there are reservations when I want to see a therapist.

# data[].attributes.body
We communicate with each other, like, a lot, and we would normally sit down and talk to each other calmly, and then we also sit together, watch movies together, and we do respect each other.

# data[].attributes.body
What makes me frustrated the most is the way how people treat me unfairly. For example, group projects. People just leave the project behind and let you do everything, and the teacher wouldn't know who contributed the most, and then everyone ends up with the same grade. And I also feel that when I treat one person with respect and in a good way, like, the other person should do is the same as well, because that's how we progress and further our relationship with each other.

# data[].attributes.headline
How does your friend help you in coping with your stress, if I may ask?

# data[].attributes.subject
How does your friend help you in coping with your stress, if I may ask?

# data[].attributes.body
Okay, so they helped me to quote my stress because I can talk to them about how I feel and get words encouragement or advice to help with my trouble facing.

# data[].attributes.headline
Do you have any bad experiences in school?

# data[].attributes.subject
Do you have any bad experiences in school?

# data[].attributes.body
I had a bad experience back in secondary school because I was bullied every day because I would like react to others when they make me angry. Then I also have a very bad experience doing good projects in polytechnics because they keep giving me excuses for not contributing much to the project, which I find that it's very frustrating and I had to do everything from the scratch, which kind of burnt me out a lot.

# data[].attributes.headline
Do you know of any mental health issues? Are you familiar with any of the mental health issues?

# data[].attributes.subject
Do you know of any mental health issues? Are you familiar with any of the mental health issues?

# data[].attributes.body
I’m familiar with depression which is like which will not only make a person like kind of sad la but also like lead them to a very like extreme, extreme end of things I which will lead them to suicidal thoughts. It's quite bad la. The other one is social anxiety which makes a person fear interacting with another person.

# data[].attributes.headline
Do you know anyone who suffers from depression and is Singapore's education system one of the root cause of depression or mental health issues?

# data[].attributes.subject
Do you know anyone who suffers from depression and is Singapore's education system one of the root cause of depression or mental health issues?

# data[].attributes.body
I think yes because I know a few of my close friends previously suffered from depression but most of them keep it to themselves. They don't dare to say uh. I got one of my secondary school friend that tell me and then he cried in front of me when he was sharing his story. But then I'm not so sure because the story has been quite a few years back then but I still remember the emotions that he showed me to this day which is kind of sad lor he had very fierce parents since young and then his parents keep pressuring him to like study which is like very tough for him. Then after studying they will give him tuition which is very stressful for him and then during his primary 1 his parents teach him multiplications & division then if he got it wrong right he'll get punished and not be able to play his Nintendo DS which kind of like give him a lot of stress and just give him a lot of stress uh and probably burnt him out and that's where he had suicidal thoughts. Then this led him to try to suicide. Then he told me that there was one that he got to the highest floor of his HDB and then he think about suicide but he was too scared and then he feel bad about his family then he don’t want to jump anymore.

# data[].attributes.headline
Can you care to recount how you felt during that experience and the general overlay of what happened? (Counsellor x Wei Jun consultation)

# data[].attributes.subject
Can you care to recount how you felt during that experience and the general overlay of what happened? (Counsellor x Wei Jun consultation)

# data[].attributes.body
I feel like I felt like they are really professional. They really try to understand you well. You know, when I speak to them are comfortable.

# data[].attributes.headline
Okay. How do you suggest they (people with mental health issues) seek help? 

# data[].attributes.subject
Okay. How do you suggest they (people with mental health issues) seek help? 

# data[].attributes.body
I suggest that at first right, they can call the hotline for the counsellor, free counselling session cause I heard that there was hotline for them to call now, instead of like visiting the location, physical location itself. Since they don't have like I mean it's over the phone, so they don't have to be afraid of doing a one on one kind of session with them, which like sometimes can make them uncomfortable.

# data[].attributes.headline
What are your thoughts on people with mental health issues?

# data[].attributes.subject
What are your thoughts on people with mental health issues?

# data[].attributes.body
I feel that they shouldn't be embarrassed about it and then they should find someone that they are comfortable with to talk to because mental health can be very bad not only to your body but also to other things such as academics and your social life .

# data[].attributes.headline
So you have no troubles in academics, is mostly just D&T?

# data[].attributes.subject
So you have no troubles in academics, is mostly just D&T?

# data[].attributes.body
Not that I don't have troubles in a academics but it's more of like okay, I do all the worksheet but even though it is wrong or what I will just like: "okay, at least I do".

# data[].attributes.headline
how do you think Singapore feels toward those mental health issues?

# data[].attributes.subject
how do you think Singapore feels toward those mental health issues?

# data[].attributes.body
I think generally people in Singapore would try to understand and help people with mental health issues because it is very common in Singapore, Singaporeans got a lot of stress due to their jobs or their academics.

# data[].attributes.headline
What causes the most stress in Secondary School

# data[].attributes.subject
What causes the most stress in Secondary School

# data[].attributes.body
Pressure to get good reults academically
Juggling CCA and Academics

The main cause of stress in Secondary school is academics and time management

# data[].attributes.headline
What do you think could further help the students who are suffering and trying to cope with their academic stress?

# data[].attributes.subject
What do you think could further help the students who are suffering and trying to cope with their academic stress?

# data[].attributes.body
I think that a lot of platforms that provide mental health support do not get enough publicity and I think that more can be done to reach out to even more students. And they should also post a talk frequently during primary/secondary school for the students to know that they are not alone and they can talk to people, like talk to other people to cope with their stress.

# data[].attributes.headline
So how do you feel about your secondary school experience? Although you say, you let out your stress, does it mean you had a lot of stress built up during this school time?

# data[].attributes.subject
So how do you feel about your secondary school experience? Although you say, you let out your stress, does it mean you had a lot of stress built up during this school time?

# data[].attributes.body
Not really, a lot but, not really little also. It's like medium, medium, many still manageable.

# data[].attributes.body
Not practical, alot of the knowledge is not used irl
Very fast paced and hard for many students to keep up
Doesnt focus on the creative side
Stressful and competitive
Very results based

Singapores education is very rough and causes alot of academic pressure and stress

# data[].attributes.body
I still have stress regarding academics because I want to go university, but I keep thinking about my GPA and the future. A lot of people say it's quite tough uh, especially in year 3 and intern they anyhow give the grades so i am kind of scared of my GPA and then that created stress for me la keep thinking about it.

# data[].attributes.body
Family members
Interest and competetivity
Peers

Students are pressured from familty members to do well and many students are unable to survive the competitive environment and build up stress

# data[].attributes.headline
Are you worried about the future generation? Like for future generation secondary school and primary schools do you think it would get even worse as the education syllabus will get even harder every year?

# data[].attributes.subject
Are you worried about the future generation? Like for future generation secondary school and primary schools do you think it would get even worse as the education syllabus will get even harder every year?

# data[].attributes.body
It is very possible that they will get more stress. Because back then, during our primary school and secondary school days, we were already like, because the syllabus is really quite hard. And back then, we were quite stressed about it already. But then if the syllabus is even harder, it will be more tough for them to like get even better result which will create more stress.

# data[].attributes.headline
So you say you are, you feel pressured for getting good results, where do you think the pressure is from? 

# data[].attributes.subject
So you say you are, you feel pressured for getting good results, where do you think the pressure is from? 

# data[].attributes.body
...

That is for myself, because like I said it before that I set my own standards for myself. So I would not measure myself to get the result. If I do not get it I would I feel very hopeless.

# data[].attributes.body
Getting pressured from family and even themself.

Students find that yes they get pressured from those around them which tends to lead them having a lot of stress

# data[].attributes.body
looking for teachers and friends to rant and get advice
Destress by watching shows
ranting online

Students tend to seek help by finding someone to talk to and get someone to listen to them or destressing by doing things they like

# data[].attributes.headline
Is there enough done in the community for those that are receiving academic stress

# data[].attributes.subject
Is there enough done in the community for those that are receiving academic stress

# data[].attributes.body
There are flaws in SGs academic system
Counselling is not enough and many students don't feel safe with them
Too much to study in too little time
Lack of encouragement in the environment to speak up about mental health

Students find that there are alot of areas lacking in regards to help with academic stress especially in regards to Singapores Education System as a whole

# data[].attributes.headline
Okay, so how often do you have a hard time to feel relaxed through secondary school.

# data[].attributes.subject
Okay, so how often do you have a hard time to feel relaxed through secondary school.

# data[].attributes.body
Rarely because I enjoy my time with most of our time during it.
(Interviewer: ...)
So my enjoying is like the CCA hours if not just doing a CCA like those competitions like for example robotic competition because I'm from robotics. The bonding experience with my lecturer as well as my teammates is quite fun even though it makes you frustrated also if you didn't managed to complete a task that is like one. But then another one is like after school hours I'll just go back and not think of it will just leave this one on my way to enjoy.

# data[].attributes.headline
Thoughts of going to Therapy/Counselling

# data[].attributes.subject
Thoughts of going to Therapy/Counselling

# data[].attributes.body
Nice rant session but expensive #broke
scared of being judged by others

Students fear being judged by others due to the social stigma and also fear the costs that come with therapy and counselling

# data[].attributes.headline
what makes you frustrated the most generally?

# data[].attributes.subject
what makes you frustrated the most generally?

# data[].attributes.body
Mostly when people disturb me or disturb my personal space when I am not really feeling in the mood, just like my brother who invade it constantly.

# data[].attributes.headline
Have you ever gone for therapy or counseling sessions in school?

# data[].attributes.subject
Have you ever gone for therapy or counseling sessions in school?

# data[].attributes.body
I did for once, but it was not really for like mental health but more for like my weight as I am overweight, so you have to go for this counseling session.

what were you think at the point knowing you are overweight, and you have to go for counseling session.

OK, it was quite ridiculous like it wasn't really effective going there, but it was more like a group therapy,It was absolutely useless.

So, it was like she don’t even know what she is talking about how did she even qualify as a counselor.

# data[].attributes.headline
What push you onto aspire greater to try and reach your goals despite all the stress

# data[].attributes.subject
What push you onto aspire greater to try and reach your goals despite all the stress

# data[].attributes.body
At that time I didn't really have much motivation except for my family, especially my mom taught me into continuing and my form teachers at a time they usually do parents teacher meeting they would like try to encourage me right in front of my parents. So those are like some of the factors that pushed me onwards.

# data[].attributes.body
Lower the expectation of people and normalize failure and learning from it

# data[].attributes.body
The academic system in its core needs to be fixed and improved in order to cause less stress to students

# data[].attributes.body
Singapores education needs to be more holistic, and have more practicality and be less results oriented

# data[].attributes.body
we should lower the stigma towards those with mental health issues

# data[].attributes.body
Students need an outlet for them to express their emotions and feelings