Empowerment through the Narrative

“I’ve developed confidence as a women to speak out because I’ve come to realise that despite being a women, what I have to say matters, I can and I will speak my truth!”

I first contacted SADAG when I wanted to start up my own support group for people with depression and anxiety. I attended one of their support group leader workshops in 2019.

I learnt about this initiative in 2021 and immediately fell in love with the concept. This initiative provided women with a platform to share their struggles and empower others by sharing their stories and it was a one-of-a-kind project that I needed to get involved in. Being involved with SADAG AND WVL, I have learnt a lot and grown as a person. I’ve become more confident and stronger through working with such amazing people on this project. I am a volunteer support group facilitator for the Dan Pillay Memorial Support Group.

Being a part of this project has opened a world of possibilities. I have become stronger and more confident in promoting mental health awareness. I am able to create awareness and enlighten others to help de-stigmatize mental health in my community.

I have become more culturally aware in my interactions with others. I’ve developed confidence as a women to speak out because I’ve come to realise that despite being a women, what I have to say matters, I can and I will speak my truth!

My community is starting to become more aware about mental health and the need to speak about it because so many people suffer in silence and are ashamed to reach out. This needs to change as we need to become more open and educated about it.

At our support group meetings, we get professionals in the mental health field who come in and speak about mental health, coping strategies, etc.

Initially, being on the spot and talking about my journey with mental health seemed overwhelming but the participants and the SADAG team were incredibly supportive and that helped eradicate any apprehension and fear.

My future plans include finishing up my Honours degree in Psychology and opening up a counselling centre for girls and women in my community.