Letters to HumanistSG: I’m so stressed at school, and I envy how my friends have God to turn to. What can I do?

Letters to HumanistSG is a column where we reply to appeals for advice/help from non-religious individuals.

Hello…

I’ve been feeling very stressed lately… 

It is my final year in school and I’m struggling to keep up with the exam preparations. My life has been nothing but non-stop revision, and after school I still have tuition.  

My friends are feeling under pressure too, and I really envy how they have God to turn to. They also have prayer groups in school and I see them exchanging exam notes with each other…

I found out about the Humanist Society on IG recently. This is great because I’m a freethinker, and I don’t feel like joining a religious group yet. 

Does the Humanist Society provide any support for freethinkers who are feeling stressed? 

– TY

(True name redacted for privacy)

Our reply

Dear TY,

I’m truly sorry to hear how stressed you’re feeling. The final year of school is demanding, and adding tuition on top of your long school hours can be overwhelming!

It’s important to recognize that you are not alone in this struggle. While your friends find solace in their faith and prayer groups, there are other ways to find support and strength.

  • Remember that you’ve incredible inner strength, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.
  • Remind yourself that you’ve love and support from your family and friends.
  • Celebrate small wins, no matter how minor they may seem.
  • Practice self-compassion, acknowledging you are only human and need rest at times.

Remember, things will keep changing. The challenges you face now will eventually pass. Embrace perseverance and keep moving forward, even when the path seems difficult. Humanists believe in the power of the human spirit to overcome obstacles. You have the resilience within you to navigate this tough period.

If you ever need to talk or seek advice, the Humanist Society is here to support you. The Humanist Society has monthly meetings where you can connect with others who share your perspectives and experiences.

Surrounding yourself with people who understand your journey can provide a sense of belonging and emotional support.

All the best to your revision. Ganbatte!