Life isn’t the same for everyone. People face different challenges that impact their mental health in various ways. Some people are able to identify their issues and seek professional help, while others prefer to handle things on their own.
This story is about a woman in her 20s who sought counseling from Empower Pacific to address various issues affecting her life and mental health. She learned about the non-governmental organization (NGO), which provides counseling and social work support services, from a friend and visited the head office in Lautoka earlier this year.
At the office, she met with counselor Aarti Akaansha, who initially assessed her situation through a question-and-answer session before providing regular counseling assistance. The woman, who we will refer to as the client, experienced panic attacks due to various stressful situations.
Her father had passed away a few years ago, leaving her with significant responsibilities as the only child. She also faced issues at work related to her short-sightedness, and some colleagues made comments about her complexion and vision. Adding to her stress were relationship troubles, which were foremost in her mind.
Ms. Akaansha noted that the client was going through another breakup when she sought help from Empower Pacific. “During the session, it was revealed that she was more mentally affected due to her previous relationship not working out well, resulting in a breakup,” she said. The cumulative effect of these issues led to frequent panic attacks.
The counseling sessions revealed that the client had been a social drinker but had begun drinking every evening after her relationship breakup to help her sleep. She saw alcohol as a coping tool, but her habits changed after she reached out for help. She suffered frequent panic attacks and even tried to harm herself. She deeply missed her father, who had been a pillar of strength and support in the family. She sometimes blamed her mother for the family situation.
At work, her colleagues’ remarks about her eyesight and complexion affected her state of mind. The breakup left her emotionally overwhelmed and triggered panic attacks, leading her to alcohol to help her sleep.
“After seeking counseling from Empower Pacific, I now know my worth, what I deserve, and what I’m capable of doing,” the client said. “I don’t blame my mother anymore. I’ve come to realize that she does the cooking and other household chores, drops me halfway to work, and waits for me to arrive home. Now, I’ve also realized what to do about my situation and the hardships I’m going through, and I’m practicing the coping mechanisms given to me by the counselor. I can fall asleep now without drinking alcohol. I come home tired after a day’s work and am able to sleep without drinking.”
The client has also started a small business from home with her mother to supplement their household income. Ms. Akaansha has had three counseling sessions with the client, whose file remains open for follow-up sessions.
Like this young woman, many others, including men, face similar situations that affect their mental health. If you or someone you know is experiencing similar mental health issues, counseling support is available from qualified counselors. Do not hesitate to call the Empower Pacific 24/7 toll-free counseling helpline at 5626, supported by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, to speak with a counselor.