HEAL Corner

FELIX AVELLINO PHILMONE – With hope, there is light

“They lit a spark in me, and I want to do the same for others.”

To many of his friends and colleagues, Felix Avellino Philmone, or affectionately known as Lino, appears as a cheerful and friendly individual, always wearing a welcoming smile. Little do they realise that he has been grappling with depression since his early adolescence – even turning to self-harm as a means to express his inner pain.

In 2016, Lino's life took a critical turn when he was diagnosed with a severe heart condition, and just as he was beginning to recover from this ordeal, he confronted yet another setback: the loss of his job a few months later. These successive hardships led him into the depths of depression, and in 2018, he reached a point of contemplating suicide.

Seated precariously on the ledge of a high-floor HDB block, he contemplated ending his life. In that moment, he thought of his wife and saw the names of his children tattooed on his arms. This poignant reminder shook him to his core and made him realise that he needed help to persevere, not just for his own sake but for the well-being of his family.

“My kids and my wife are my strength, and I did not want my pain to be transferred over to them. It was not fair,” he reflects.

While he was initially apprehensive about the stigma associated with seeking professional help, Lino eventually did take that brave step. Over time, he made significant strides in his recovery, learning how to self-care and self-love. Drawing from his own experiences, he decided to channel his newfound strength into aiding others who were facing similar challenges.

“The support I received was so amazing that I wanted to give back to society. They lit a spark in me, and I want to do the same for others.”

Now at the age of 40, Lino serves as an Assistant Programme Coordinator for the Our HEALing Voice programme at Club HEAL, mentoring other individuals in their recovery journey.

Click here for more information on Club HEAL’s Our HEALing Voice.