The importance of positivity in unforeseeable times
A harrowing story of seeking refuge, mental health, and an unknown future.
(Please note that English is not my first language)
I cannot rate my mental health because I have big stresses all over my mind. I am confused by the life I am living right now without my family. My mind is functioning, but most of the time I think about my kids back home. I am safe here. I think about my kids.
I came from Namibia, a country in Africa. I was living my own life in my country. I was staying with my kids in a resettlement location in the city. I was working in a salon as a cleaner. I was settled with my life, trying as much as I can to make my kids happy.
Due to forcing matters I ended up running to the UK, seeking help because my life was in danger. This was because of my sexual orientation.
To make such a decision, of leaving your family to go and try and save your life…I was out of my mind
My mental health journey, at the very beginning, I was totally out of my mind. To make such a decision, of leaving your family to go and try and save your life. All I was doing was crying when I talked to someone asking me about me and my journey. I could not escape myself because my heart was always in emotion.
I started attending mental health classes at Crisis where I learned a lot about how to control my emotion. Completing it, I am much better.
My recovery came after attending counsellor classes at Crisis, learning how to control my stresses. My Rainbow group also helps me a lot. Every week we meet, and you talk more about yourself. We share stories, we smile together. I really value these moments with the group.
One good thing right now, I’ve started to make new friends here, and have found the organisation group helps.
Today I’m a human being because now I’ll talk to people. I have the Rainbow group and talk to friends. The mental health group is very nice to people who don’t have family and friends. Search for your own mental health group for your own benefits. For your own health. If you are stressed, try to find someone to talk to.
I am happy that I am in the UK and safe from what happened to me in my country. To everyone in this mental health programme we are safe for now.
You must be positive enough in your mind. Try to control your stresses, your emotion in situations, to keep yourself healthy. I hope by God grace I will settle in the UK with my family. In God grace I am positive for sure.
-By anonymous
For safety reasons those seeking asylum cannot disclose identifiable information. You can learn more about the work of Rainbow Home for those seeking asylum here.
If you feel you may require one of our services, or benefit from support please
Reach Out.
We are here to support you, just like we have helped others like you.
Would you like to receive our wellbeing newsletter, brimming with service updates, wellbeing activities and so much more! Sign up to receive your own monthly round up right to your email here.
If you have found any of the content within this piece upsetting and would like to speak to someone about how you are feeling please reach out. Our Support Line is Monday-Friday 2pm-10pm and Saturday-Sunday 12pm-8pm for those 16 years and above living in Newcastle, Gateshead and Northumberland. Call on 0191 4774 545 / 0330 1743 174 (Calls charged at local rates).
