Life takes different paths for everyone, with various challenges impacting mental health in unique ways. Some individuals recognize these issues and seek professional help, while others try to manage on their own.
This story highlights a woman in her 20s who sought counseling from Empower Pacific to address various issues affecting her life and mental health. After learning about the NGO, which offers counseling and social work support services, from a friend, she visited their head office in Lautoka earlier this year.
She met with counselor Aarti Akaansha, who assessed her situation through a question-and-answer session before providing customary counseling assistance. This woman, referred to as the client, experienced panic attacks due to several challenging situations.
She had lost her father a few years ago and, being an only child, faced significant responsibilities. Additionally, she struggled at work due to her short-sightedness and endured comments about her appearance and eyesight. Relationship issues also weighed heavily on her mind.
Ms. Akaansha noted that the client sought help while going through another breakup, which compounded her mental health struggles. It was revealed during the sessions that the client’s previous relationship had also ended poorly, leading to further emotional distress and panic attacks.
Previously a social drinker, the client turned to alcohol every evening after her recent breakup to help her sleep. She saw alcohol as a coping mechanism, but this changed after she started counseling. Her panic attacks persisted, and she even contemplated self-harm. She deeply missed her late father, who had been a pillar of support, and sometimes blamed her mother for the family’s situation.
Her colleagues’ remarks about her short-sightedness and complexion further affected her state of mind. The client admitted she was still coping with her previous breakup, which had emotionally overwhelmed her and triggered panic attacks, leading her to drink alcohol nightly.
After seeking counseling from Empower Pacific, she gained a new understanding of her worth and capabilities. She realized the support her mother provided and began practicing coping mechanisms suggested by her counselor. Now, she can sleep without relying on alcohol and has even started a small home business with her mother to help with their household income.
Ms. Akaansha has held three counseling sessions with the client, whose file remains open for follow-up sessions. Like this young woman, others also face similar mental health challenges. If you or someone you know is experiencing such issues, reach out to qualified counselors. Do not hesitate to call the Empower Pacific 24/7 toll-free helpline at 5626, supported by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, to speak with a counselor.