From a Practical Path to a Creative Lifeline
In Singapore, many students feel pressure to pursue careers that seem stable. For Dorcas Tang, the path toward a science or architecture degree seemed sensible at the time, even though her heart longed to create. Her story is not just about choosing a different major; it’s about the quiet power of art to steady a life in turmoil and illuminate a hopeful future.
When Depression Intervened
Dorcas’s journey took an unexpected turn as she confronted depression during her university years. The weight of expectations, coupled with mental health struggles, made the campus environment feel overwhelming. Amid this struggle, she found a recurring urge to pick up a pencil, a brush, or a sketchbook—tools that offered a reflective space where she could process pain without words.
Art became more than a hobby; it was a lifeline. It provided a structured routine, a sense of achievement, and a way to communicate when talking felt too difficult. For someone wrestling with internal storms, these small acts of creation could anchor everyday life and gradually rekindle hope.
Choosing Authenticity Over Convention
Despite advice to stay the course in a more “practical” field, Dorcas made a pivotal choice: she would not abandon art, even if it meant stepping away from the traditional route. Leaving university can be daunting, especially in a culture that prizes credentials. Yet, Dorcas understood that a destination defined by societal expectations would never satisfy her creative impulse or her mental health needs.
Her decision wasn’t a dramatic farewell to education but a reframing of what education could look like. She began to explore art more deliberately—sketching daily, attending local workshops, and building a personal practice that felt true to her. The act of choosing herself, even for a moment, marked a turning point in her mental health journey.
Art as a Therapeutic Practice and Career Path
Over time, the studio became both sanctuary and studio. Dorcas found that art helped articulate feelings she couldn’t name aloud and gave her a platform to connect with others who valued creativity. Her work evolved from informal doodles to more deliberate pieces that reflected her lived experience, dreams, and resilience.
The shift wasn’t just about personal healing—it opened doors to opportunities in commissions, exhibitions, and collaborations with fellow artists. Through patient growth, Dorcas learned to balance artistic integrity with the realities of life as a working artist in Singapore. Each completed piece served as evidence that her life could be shaped by passion rather than pressure.
Support, Community, and Moving Forward
Recovery is rarely a solitary journey. Dorcas leaned on mentors, fellow artists, and mental health resources that encouraged her to keep creating even on difficult days. Community became a vital ingredient in sustaining her art practice and mental wellness, offering feedback, companionship, and a reminder that she was not alone in her struggles.
Today, Dorcas continues to paint, sketch, and explore new media. She speaks openly about her experiences with depression and the role art played in her recovery, hoping to inspire others who may be navigating similar paths. Her story underscores a broader message: pursuing a true passion can be a powerful catalyst for healing and personal development.
Lessons for Readers
- Prioritize mental health as a foundation for any life goal. If academia or a chosen field feels overwhelming, it’s OK to pause and reassess.
- Art and creativity can be transformative tools for processing emotions and building resilience.
- Authenticity matters. Following a genuine passion may lead to meaningful work that aligns with personal well-being.
- Active support networks—mentors, peers, and mental health resources—are essential to sustaining growth over time.
In Her Own Words
“Art gave me the vocabulary I lacked for expressing my inner world. It reminded me that my value isn’t defined by whether I finish a degree, but by the honesty of my creative journey and my willingness to keep going.”
