Mental health is an important and often overlooked aspect of overall well-being. In recent years, there has been a global increase in awareness and conversations around mental health, but there is still a long way to go in breaking down stigmas and providing support for those struggling. In Singapore, suicide is the leading cause of death among young people aged 10-29, with depression being a common contributing factor.

To raise awareness about youth mental health and the impact of suicide, a unique exhibition titled ‘The Rooms That Remain’ was held at Wisma Atria shopping mall in Singapore from 24th to 30th June. The exhibition aimed to recreate the bedrooms of three young Singaporeans who died by suicide due to depression, offering a glimpse into their lives and struggles.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the purpose, format, content, and stories behind ‘The Rooms That Remain’ exhibition and discuss its impact on raising awareness and breaking stigmas surrounding mental health.

Understanding the purpose of ‘The Rooms That Remain’ exhibition

The ‘The Rooms That Remain’ exhibition was organized with a specific purpose in mind – to raise awareness about youth mental health and suicide in Singapore. According to the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), one person dies by suicide every day in Singapore, and the majority of these deaths are young individuals aged 10-29. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for more conversations and initiatives surrounding mental health, especially among the youth population.

To bring attention to this issue, Youthline, a mental health charity in Singapore, partnered with MullenLowe Singapore to create ‘The Rooms That Remain’ exhibition. Together, they aimed to break down stigmas around mental health and encourage open discussions about it, as well as raise awareness of the resources available for those struggling.

Exploring the exhibition format and content

The unique format of ‘The Rooms That Remain’ exhibition was what made it stand out from other mental health awareness campaigns. It involved recreating the bedrooms of three young Singaporeans who died by suicide due to depression, along with a companion website. The organizers worked closely with the families of the deceased to gather personal belongings and details to accurately recreate their bedrooms and offer insight into their lives.

Upon entering the exhibition, visitors were greeted with three bedrooms, each representing one of the deceased individuals. The bedrooms were filled with personal items such as photographs, clothes, books, and even handwritten notes, giving a glimpse into the personalities and struggles of the three teenagers. This intimate and personal touch allowed visitors to connect with the individuals and understand the impact of mental health struggles on their lives.

The companion website provided more information about each individual’s story, including family accounts and details about their struggles with mental health. It also offered support resources for those who may be struggling and seeking help. The combination of the physical exhibition and the online platform created a comprehensive and impactful experience for visitors.

Getting to know the individual stories behind ‘The Rooms That Remain’

The ‘The Rooms That Remain’ exhibition featured three young Singaporeans, Zen Dylan Koh, Mitchell Ang, and Elisabeth Pauwels, who died by suicide due to depression. Each of their stories sheds light on different aspects of mental health struggles and highlights the need for open conversations and support.

Zen Dylan Koh (2000-2018)

Zen Dylan Koh was a well-loved 18-year-old who struggled with anxiety and depression. He was an international student studying in Melbourne, Australia, and had a bright future ahead of him. However, despite his achievements and aspirations, he ultimately took his own life on April 29th, 2018, leaving behind a family and community who adored him.

In the exhibition, Zen’s room was adorned with items that mirrored his interests and personality

Zen’s room in the exhibition was filled with items that reflected his interests and personality. There were books, sports equipment, and even a guitar, showcasing his love for music and sports. His family also provided personal items such as his diary, which gave insight into his thoughts and struggles with mental health. The exhibition aimed to honor Zen’s memory and highlight the impact of depression on young people, regardless of their achievements.

Mitchell Ang (2001-2018)

Mitchell Ang was a kind-hearted 17-year-old athlete who lost his battle with depression on September 30th, 2018. He was a talented swimmer and had just received an offer to join the national team, a dream come true for him. However, despite being on the cusp of a new chapter in his life, Mitchell succumbed to depression and took his own life.

In the exhibition, Mitchell’s room was filled with items that reflected his love for sports and his kind nature. There were swimming medals, photographs with friends, and even a handwritten letter from his mother. Through this recreation of his room, the organizers aimed to portray the impact of depression on young people, regardless of their achievements or outward appearance.

Mitchell’s room in the exhibition showcased items that reflected his passion for sports and his gentle nature

Elisabeth Pauwels (2000-2019)

Elisabeth Pauwels was a vibrant and talented 19-year-old who battled mental illness since she was 14. She lost her life on March 31st, 2019, after a long and challenging fight against depression. Elisabeth was a photographer and artist, and her artwork adorned her room in the exhibition, showcasing her passion and talent.

Elisabeth’s room also included personal belongings such as her camera and notes from therapy sessions, giving insight into her struggles with mental health. Her family shared that Elisabeth’s art was often a way for her to express her feelings and cope with her illness. The exhibition aimed to highlight the importance of seeking help and support for mental health struggles, as well as the creative outlet it can provide.

Elisabeth’s room featured personal items like her camera and notes from therapy sessions, providing insight into her journey with mental health challenges

Understanding the call to action of the exhibition

Apart from raising awareness about youth mental health and suicide, ‘The Rooms That Remain’ exhibition also had a clear call to action for visitors. As stated by Eric Chua, Singapore’s Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Family Development and Social Services, at the official opening of the exhibition, “It is important for us to break the stigma surrounding mental health, to learn about the signs of distress, and to seek support when needed.” The exhibition aimed to encourage open conversations about mental health and provide resources for those struggling.

Through the individual stories of Zen, Mitchell, and Elisabeth, the exhibition also highlighted the importance of early intervention and seeking help for mental health struggles. By breaking down stigmas and encouraging open discussions, the organizers hoped to create a more supportive environment for those struggling with mental illness.

Examining the exhibition details

‘The Rooms That Remain’ exhibition was held at Wisma Atria shopping mall in Singapore from 24th to 30th June. The location was chosen to reach out to a wider audience and bring the conversation about mental health to a public space. The exhibition was officially opened by Eric Chua, who acknowledged the importance of raising awareness about youth mental health and suicide in Singapore.

The impact of ‘The Rooms That Remain’ exhibition

‘The Rooms That Remain’ exhibition received an overwhelmingly positive response from the public and sparked important conversations about mental health. Many visitors took to social media to share their experiences and express their gratitude for the exhibition, stating that it helped them understand the impact of mental health struggles on individuals and their loved ones.

The exhibition also received media coverage, further amplifying its impact and reach. It is a testament to the power of art and storytelling in raising awareness and breaking down stigmas surrounding mental health. Through the individual stories of Zen, Mitchell, and Elisabeth, ‘The Rooms That Remain’ exhibition successfully achieved its purpose of creating a more supportive environment for those struggling with mental illness and encouraging open conversations about it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ‘The Rooms That Remain’ exhibition was a powerful and impactful initiative that shed light on the often-overlooked issue of youth mental health and suicide in Singapore. Through its unique format and individual stories, it successfully raised awareness and encouraged open discussions about mental health. The exhibition serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting those struggling with mental illness and breaking down stigmas surrounding it.