I AM HERE — well sister

‘I Am Here’ – Is about returning to the present and noticing the Divine in the midst. I am dedicating this song to my dear friend Rebecca; a survivor of war, infinite grief, and debilitating anxiety. Our paths crossed rather providentially, and I am blessed to have been at the right place at the right time. She is a passionate activist for adequate and culturally sensitive mental health care for refugees. She is in the process of birthing an organization with this mission called ‘Road of Hope’. My friend, I humbly bow to all you have endured. Your spirit is radiant.

Words from Rebecca

What’s been the hardest part living with mental illness/struggling with mental wellness?

The hardest part is having it in general, denial, keeping up with daily demands, self exhaustion from overthinking that everything is my fault including my mum’s sickness.

If you think back on a time when you mental/emotional suffering was most severe, what would your ‘now self’ say to ‘that self’?

I would probably tell myself to keep my suffering to myself because most people made fun of it, which caused me more harm. If I wasn’t on my feet I would be gone by now because of people’s criticism.

What would you say to someone who is currently facing what you have also gone through?

Not everyone will understand what you’re going through and they will never understand it, and not everyone will listen. Lean towards to those who mean to help in listening to you and not those who will cause more wounds.

What has been your anchor and source of endurance during the most challenging times?

I am my only source of healing and if I don’t do it who will? And what if I give up, who will remain with my little siblings on this world? These were and still are my strengths.