You are not alone | Help is available, reach out!

“SEEKING professional help can be daunting, especially in cultures where mental health struggles are often met with stigma”.These were the words of a client who, after an initial tele-counselling session through Empower Pacific toll-free Counselling Helpline – 5626, found the courage to open up about her challenges.“Life has thrown many obstacles my way, but dealing with my mental health struggles has been one of the toughest,” she said.

Reflecting back to 2019 when the COVID-19 pandemic hi it changed everything. She lost her job after her manager informed her and the rest of the staff that they would be made redundant and sent home.“When the pandemic took everyone by surprise, I felt a crushing uncertainty.



The thought of losing my job and moving back in with my dad and family was overwhelming,” reflected the client.Despite the fear and uncertainty, she was fortunate to have a home, which provided a sense of comfort and security.“Being with my family made me feel safe.

Their support was invaluable during such an unsettling time.”As she navigated her mental health struggles, it was also during this period that she began to pay more attention to her emotional state while spending time with her family.“It wasn’t easy to ask for help, but I realised that my circumstances were taking a serious toll on me.

”The challenges weren’t just about losing her job – she was also facing difficulties in her personal relationships.“Trying to maintain the relationship while keeping each other happy became increasingly hard, especially since my family didn’t know I was in a same-sex relationship.”As her situation intensified, she felt increasingly isolated and unsupported.

On top of everything, she was still mourning the loss of her mother, who had passed away seven years prior.“Losing my mother was the most painful experience of my life. She was the glue that held our family together — a strong, authoritative woman.

”Over the years, although the client was unable to secure another permanent job, she found casual employment that significantly boosted her self-esteem. Additionally, she was able to come to terms with the guilt surrounding her mother’s loss and rebuild her relationship with her father.Grief, she says, is not something we simply overcome; it’s something we learn to live with.

Despite the deep pain, she found strength through her faith and believed she could get through her difficulties.The client expressed her gratitude for the essential support she received from Empower Pacific and encouraged fellow Fijians to break the stigma surrounding mental health and seek counselling when needed.Despite making gradual progress over the years through numerous counselling sessions, she continues to reach out to share both her achievements and the challenges she faces daily.

“Strength comes from picking ourselves up, dusting ourselves off, and moving forward – no matter what we’re going through.“Taking care of our mental health is vital, I urge you all to break the stigma and seek counselling services with Empower Pacific.“Their support has proven to be effective time and time again.

Sometimes, the hardest step is finding the courage to admit that we all need someone to talk to — someone who can help lighten the burden.”Partnering with government ministries and community agencies, Empower Pacific works to promote the well-being of individuals and communities through a holistic model of professional health services.We also offer various programs designed to enhance the mental and emotional health of our clients, creating opportunities for learning, growth, and personal development.

Empower Pacific’s toll-free counselling helpline, 5626 receives an average of 20 calls daily, with counsellors providing much-needed counselling and social work support.Seeking mental health and psychosocial support is a sign of strength, not weakness.If you’re facing challenges, you’re not alone — counselling can provide you with emotional support and guidance in moving forward.

Reach out to us through our toll — free counselling helpline — 5626; your well-being matters.n NANISE SIVO is the media and communications officer for Empower Pacific.The post You are not alone | Help is available, reach out! appeared first on The Fiji Times.

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