Bernadette Loh: Breaking the Mold in a Stressed‑Out Legal World
Think the legal field is all suits, stress and a never‑ending deadline? Think again. Meet Bernadette Loh, a 25‑year‑old lawyer who’s rewriting what it means to thrive under pressure.
Early Life & Mental‑Health Journey
- From a young age: ran into depression at nine, writes that it still tags onto her quieter moments.
- Recently added another chapter: officially diagnosed with ADHD, which she says actually serves as a “creative+engine” in her busy brain.
- Despite the drama, she never wavered in her ambition to study law.
Why the Legal Scene Isn’t a Trap
Bernadette puts it plain: “High‑pressure situations bring out different sides of people.” In her own words, the harshest moments can reveal grit and ingenuity, not just chaos.
Laughing Through the Grind
- “I love a good courtroom showdown,” she jokes, but the real win is staying sharp while juggling life’s ebbs and flows.
- “I wouldn’t want to spill too much tea on the industry,” she grins, showing she’s ready for anyone who thinks a wanderer with mental‑health flags can’t hold a briefcase.
Turning Challenges into Assets
Bernadette’s key takeaway? You don’t have to hide your setbacks; they’re the seasoning that adds depth to your career. ADHD? Depression? Consider them badges of resilience, allowing her to navigate the legal arena with a fresh, empathetic perspective.
So, next time you think law is purely a high‑stakes, high‑stress arena—think of Bernadette as proof that a sprinkle of mental‑health courage can make the chase more rewarding and surprisingly human.
Depression and ADHD through her lens
<img alt="" data-caption="A three-year-old Bernadette smiling for the camera.
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Bernadette’s Emotional Roller Coaster: From “Emo Phase” to Real Talk
When the American Psychiatric Association calls depression a medical condition that messes with feelings, thoughts, and actions, it’s a big deal. But the way it shows up isn’t one-size-fits-all.
The “Not Just a Phase” Moment
Growing up, Bernadette thought a down mood was just her “emo phase.” One day, a friend casually listed universities to apply to, and all Bernadette could talk about was the bleakness of her future. She was 17 and couldn’t see herself living past that age—truly unsettling.
Depression: The Quiet Ghost vs. The Loud Fidget
- Sadness that sticks around – Some people feel a lingering low that lasts for weeks.
- Apathy or dissociation – Others check out from life, feeling detached from everything.
- Hyperfixations – For some – like Bernadette—it’s a double-edged sword: if you’re so into a project you forget everything else, but you can’t focus on anything else.
During university, Bernadette hit a low point. She stopped doing anything for three months, ate only when her partner fed her, and felt like a ghost in her own body. It was her partner who nudged her to seek professional help.
ADHD: The Full Circle of Attention Mayhem
Less than a year ago, Bernadette officially got an ADHD diagnosis. After chatting with Moonlake Lee, founder of the local nonprofit Unlocking ADHD, she decided the “fidgety” label fit her. In addition to constant distraction, she experienced intense hyperfixation—when something grabs her attention, the world becomes that one thing.
What’s bold about Bernadette’s story is that even with the same mental conditions, triggers and experiences can vary wildly. One moment, she’s stuck in a depressive slump; the next, she’s randomly buzzing from an interest she can’t shake.
Her narrative reminds everyone that mental health isn’t a tidy box— it’s a messy, marathon, extreme-case-of-sadness‑and‑fidgeting ticket. It’s okay to feel lost and weird; the help is out there.
Conscious decision to be a lawyer
<img alt="" data-caption="Bernadette celebrating her graduation from university in July 2019.
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From Courtrooms to Classrooms: Bernadette’s Legal Journey
Most folks didn’t have their career crystal‑clear after just primary school, but Bernadette was already dreaming of a lawyer’s badge. That confidence sprouted from a 13‑year‑old courtroom adventure.
The Courtroom Catalyst
- Parental split & a court visit – Two years after her parents split, Bernadette was escorted to the State Courts. Her parents’ lawyers wanted to chat with her.
- “Do you realize how many kids are in situations like mine?” she asked the courtroom staff. “Even children even younger than me!”
- She remembered feeling at a loss during the interview, which made her think of how even younger kids could feel just as confused.
Seeing the Realities Outside the Court
She also witnessed juvenile offenders in orange jumpsuits, cuffs on wrists and ankles – a stark reminder that these are people needing help. She mused, “How can I be sure good folks are stepping up unless I try my best to step up?” She added a touch of humor, saying, “I’m not saying I’m a good person, but I’m trying.”
University & Mental Health
After earning her degree in July 2019, Bernadette navigated the often tricky waters of mental health in the workplace.
The First Training Contract
- Her first contract felt like she had to prove herself.
- but she gradually started a personal realignment.
Turning Diagnosis Into Strength
Facing depression and ADHD, Bernadette discovered that what seemed like challenges could actually be powers. Hyperfocus helped her zero in on tasks, while her tough upbringing made her better at connecting with clients who were also on rough paths.
She ended up realizing, “I don’t have to prove much more than anyone else. I already know I can get the job done.”
Being a mental health advocate in Singapore
<img alt="" data-caption="Bernadette in front of Cat Socrates, a shop along Yong Siak Street, in March 2020
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Mental Health Champion in the Workplace
Meet Bernadette, the fearless advocate who’s shaking up the old-school ideas about mental health at her office. She’s learned that talking about well‑being isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a game‑changer.
Early Challenges
- “In the beginning, I felt like a lone ranger navigating a maze of traditional viewpoints.”
- “Many colleagues had outdated vibes, picturing folks with mental conditions as villains from a crime drama.”
- “The jokes? The stereotypes? They were all over the place,” she recalls.
Breaking the Silence
Her turning point came when she realized that speaking up was the only answer.
“I used to stay quiet unless something hit me personally. Then I’d say, ‘In my experience…,’” Bernadette says, showing how authenticity paved the way to open dialogue. She’s now the outspoken voice people shout for when they need help to break the stigma.
Volunteer Work
A major part of her advocacy is on the ground with Resilience Collective, a local charity that focuses on mental health. She’s not only a participant in their events, but also a peer facilitator—guiding fellow attendees through tough conversations.
Future Outlook
While progress has been slow, Bernadette remains cautiously optimistic about the fight against stigma.
She cites:
- Government‑led dialogues that bring mental health to the table.
- Fresh news articles and research studies that show newer conversations are happening.
“Having more folks like me is a win for everyone,” she ends. The hope? A society that sees mental health challenges as normal human experiences, not something to hide, scare, or shame.
