Who Am I?
Malaysia Tatler|December 2017

Polycystic ovarian syndrome led writer Charmaine Kon to lapse into a funk, which affected the qualities she has long associated with her identity. Here, she writes about her journey to recovery.

Who Am I?

I REMEMBER the day I caught my own reflection in my phone’s front camera; I didn’t recognise it. I had made my own yong tau foo for dinner, and was about to take a photo of the platter when I unintentionally enabled the front-facing camera. For months leading up to that moment, I had avoided mirrors, and so looking squarely at my reflection felt like an assault. The person in my camera was difficult to look at. Beyond the acne-ridden complexion and dishevelled hair, my deflated posture gave away my secret...

The symptoms for my condition started to show about a year ago. I developed painful cystic acne on my cheeks and jawline. At first I brushed them off as an odd phase, but they worsened and wouldn’t budge, not for the next year. Soon after, I noticed other changes. I couldn’t think clearly, like my thoughts travelled through slime before they came out as words, a terrifying predicament for a writer. These resulted in anxiety episodes, which led to sleeplessness.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2017-Ausgabe von Malaysia Tatler.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2017-Ausgabe von Malaysia Tatler.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS MALAYSIA TATLERAlle anzeigen
Waves of Wonder
Tatler Malaysia

Waves of Wonder

Chaumet's Ondes & Merveilles high jewellery collection invents a unique language of the sea, capturing the colours and joy of life within and around the expansive depths

time-read
2 Minuten  |
September 2024
Bright, Light, Bella
Tatler Malaysia

Bright, Light, Bella

Bella Hadid's star shines brighter as the new face of Chopard's iconic Ice Cube collection

time-read
3 Minuten  |
September 2024
Beauty Playbook
Tatler Malaysia

Beauty Playbook

We tapped the British make-up extraordinaire Pat McGrath to talk all things beauty as she takes us through her early beginnings, creative process, make-up tips and more

time-read
5 Minuten  |
September 2024
The Chloé Woman, Reborn
Tatler Malaysia

The Chloé Woman, Reborn

As we head into fall-winter 2024, let's unpack one of the most anticipated collections of the season-Chemena Kamali's homecoming collection for Chloé

time-read
2 Minuten  |
September 2024
To the Mun and Back
Tatler Malaysia

To the Mun and Back

Korean actress Mun Ka-young opens up about her dream destinations and her non-negotiable in-flight skincare essentials

time-read
2 Minuten  |
September 2024
One Step at Time
Tatler Malaysia

One Step at Time

We speak to Edgardo Osorio, founder of luxury footwear brand Aquazzura, on his vision of comfort and glamour, from weddings to world stages

time-read
3 Minuten  |
September 2024
Seams Like Art
Tatler Malaysia

Seams Like Art

Eleen Tan, a fashion illustrator and art lecturer, talks about finding success and fulfilment in the fast-paced fashion industry without sewing a single stitch

time-read
5 Minuten  |
September 2024
POWERFUL LITTLE PERFORMER
Tatler Malaysia

POWERFUL LITTLE PERFORMER

In both her wardrobe choices and acting roles, Eyka Farhana demonstrates remarkable range

time-read
10 Minuten  |
September 2024
HOT DAME!
Tatler Malaysia

HOT DAME!

Meet the chic 89-year-old great-grandmother whose story of family and romantic reunion is as awe-inspiring as her timeless elegance

time-read
4 Minuten  |
September 2024
Digital Transformation
Tatler Malaysia

Digital Transformation

Newly appointed managing director of Microsoft Malaysia Laurence Si brings 30 years of experience to the role

time-read
3 Minuten  |
September 2024