Ron Yap’s Nighttime Adventures Turns Into a Wake‑Up Call
Since his teen years, Ron found himself turning his bathroom into a personal think‑tank more than 20 times a night. He’d spend hours on his “void deck,” replaying every awkward hand‑shake, mid‑conversation stare‑at‑nothing, and awkward meme swap, dissecting them like a forensic investigator.
When an Instagram Post Changed the Game
It wasn’t until a random mental‑health reel slipped into his feed that Ron finally understood what was happening. “It was like someone finally handed me the map to my own mind,” he jokes.
The Big Discovery
- Diagnosed with obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety.
- Started therapy at 25.
- Has officially upgraded “nighttime bathroom fan club” to a professional support group.
From Survivor to Advocate
Now “getting better,” Ron says, and he’s not keeping that knowledge to himself. He’s swapping his own story for a larger purpose, turning his personal breakthrough into a public mission.
Next Step? A Master’s in Counseling
Ron has already applied to a Masters program in Counselling because he wants to help people who still feel stuck alone in the dark. “I’ve been in that room,” he says, “so I want to open a door for others.”
The Root of His Passion
He was the classic “lonely soul” before the help arrived, and his golden motivation? To make sure no one else feels that same isolation again.
In short, Ron’s story is a shining reminder: sometimes the key to unlocking yourself is just a meme away.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder: More than just hand washing
Ron’s Battle With OCD: A Journey From “Normal” to “Help Me!”
Ron’s story starts off with a typical, almost relatable line: “I never asked anyone for help.” He could’ve seen his own struggle as a quirky hobby instead of a real issue.
He used to think his mind was on the right track, that he was just a little “normal.” The phrase “normal” was his shield— he didn’t want to get caught in the spotlight of medical attention or sympathy.
What “OCD” Really Looks Like
- Obsessions: intrusive thoughts, skin picking, hair pulling—yes, even the dreaded hand washing.
- Compulsions: repetitive rituals like double‑checking if doors are locked or if the stove is off.
These habits aren’t just about the “cleanliness” stereotype. For Ron, they were a hidden part of his everyday life, starting in his teenage years.
The Roots of Ron’s Anxiety
- Choosing a School
Ron had to pick a second‑choice high school because his Primary School Leaving Examination didn’t go as he expected. “I started day‑dreaming about pros and cons, predicting the future—like a finance model for a life not meant to predict,” he laughs. - Night Before the Camp
His anxiety peaked before a dreaded secondary school camp. He couldn’t sleep, and the bathroom became his refuge. Repeated trips turned into a post‑night ritual that he’d carry forward.
Why He Still Cares About It
“Years later, I realized I was channeling my anxiety into repetitive actions instead of facing it head‑on,” Ron admits. Now he’s in therapy and still on the path to easing those compulsions.
His story reminds us that OCD is a spectrum, and that sometimes what feels like “just a habit” is a signal one needs help. Sharing it openly—especially with humor and vulnerability—can bring understanding and support.
The turning point
Meet Ron: His Journey from “Something’s Off” to Real‑Talk Mental Health
Picture this: Ron, an undergraduate, suddenly feels like he’s got a secret invisible foe. It’s that early‑university phase when you realize, “Hmm, maybe there’s something wrong with my brain.” He’s not sure what it is, but it’s definitely there.
The “I’ll Just Ignore It” Aha Moment
He knows that if he never asks for help, the itch will stick around forever. “I just don’t want to spend life fighting an invisible battle,” he tells himself. It’s like realizing you’ve been eating a sandwich that’s actually a frozen pizza for weeks.
It All Started With an Instagram Snap
One day, while scrolling through his Explore page, Ron lands on a post outlining symptoms of OCD. Readers feel their emotions, you know? He recognizes a few traits that scream, “That is me!”
So, this is what he does next: he books a counseling appointment at a local polyclinic.
From Counsellor to Psychiatrist: The Fast‑Forward
- First step: therapy sessions that feel like honest chats over coffee.
- Next step: referral to a psychiatrist.
- Outcome: medication, support, and a real diagnosis.
Opening Up: The Social Anxiety Game‑Changer
He starts sharing his story with classmates. Instead of worrying about judgment, he gets the opposite—support, understanding, and yes, even a few laughs.
“The first time I could just be myself without feeling judged,” Ron says. That moment? Golden.
Key Takeaway
So, if you’re dealing with that nagging sense of “something’s wrong,” remember: leap out of your head and step into the world. Talk, book appointments, and let the people around you lift you up, not bring you down.
Becoming a resource for others
Ron’s Mental‑Health Mission: From Self‑Help to a 140,000‑Strong Army
It all kicked off in 2019 when Ron decided to post honest, bite‑size self‑care tips and resources on Instagram. He named the account @mentalhealthceo and began shouting, over the noise of the scrolling feed, that a lot of folks simply didn’t know the labels for what they were feeling.
Why “Anxiety” was the default in Singapore
Ron points out that in Singapore, anxiety feels like the baseline mood. That subtle mis‑labeling can make people think a normal spot of worry is a psychological disorder.
Dr. Lee Cheng’s Take
Senior Consultant Dr. Lee Cheng, who runs the Office of Population Health, reminds us that symptoms do not always equal a psychiatric diagnosis. He warns against the temptation to self‑diagnose or self‑treat—because those “check‑lists” are only a rough compass, not a clinical compass.
- People often mix up medical and mental conditions—watch out for mislabeled thyroid issues masquerading as anxiety.
- ‘Self‑screening’ can guide you, but never replace a professional consult.
From 0 to 140,000 Followers
Ron’s galaxy swelled to 140,000 followers, yet he says it isn’t the numbers that fuel him. Instead, the sunflower of supportive messages—the real hero—keeps him going.
When the Haters Happen
Between the “suck it up” jabs and the “mental health? Really?” skeptics, Ron pulls from a hidden folder of heart‑warming notes. That collection convinces him that love outnumbers hate, turning rage into resilience.
Lesson Learned: Teach, Don’t Lecture
Whenever he gets called out for being “flippant”—like when he said, I’m so OCD—he calmly reveals the truth. That leads to a shift: people drop their sarcasm once they understand he’s genuine.
He’s clear:
“We shouldn’t shout at folks. Many just lack the right knowledge.
Kindness, empathy, and understanding beat anger or forcefulness every time.
Takeaway for Everyone Facing Stress or Anxiety
- Check out the Beyond the Label helpbot for quick, friendly support.
- Reach out, talk, and take that first step toward feeling better.
This article is brought to you with a partnership from Beyond the Label and National Council of Social Service (NCSS).
