Building Resilience and Community with Talk Mental Health ID
During her childhood, Fransisca grappled with anxiety and self-harm. She found art as an escape. In her youth, strong friendships, mentorship, and therapy helped build her resilience and she gained a clear sense of direction. Now, Fransisca is determined to inspire and empower others to overcome their mental struggles and discover their own path to personal growth and fulfilment.
Talk Mental Health
Curled up on my bed, I’m a turtle hiding in its shell. My head feels like a drumbeat, a crazy rhythm that won’t stop.
There are voices—nasty and loud—colliding inside my head.
“Shut up! Shut up! Please, just stop!” I whisper, my voice as small as a mouse.
A Battle of Voices and Memories
Dad’s shouts at Mom, Mom’s screams back, Grandma’s constant comparison to my cousin Lita… They played like a broken record in my mind.
Then there are images… popping up without warning. That game of cards with my cousin. His body too close, his hands, big and rough, finding their way to where they shouldn’t. His fake smile as he said, “It’s okay”.
I want the voices to be quiet. I want the pictures to go away.
Escaping the Spiral of Silence
Bang!
I hit my head against the wall. It feels oddly satisfying, like a puzzle piece fitting in.
Bang!
Harder this time and feel good like something was released. The voices slow down a little.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
I didn’t stop until my head was spinning like a top.
Then my Mom entered with a worried face. For once, I felt seen.
“Are you okay?”
I just cried, “I don’t know. I’m scared.” My mom watched with wide eyes as my body shook in an uncontrollable dance.
I was 8 years old.
Living Between Two Worlds
The next week, my Mom took me to this strange older man. He claimed that I am possessed by evil spirits. The man chanted and trembled. I closed my eyes, praying this strange show would end soon. It didn’t help; I still felt the same every night. Besides, I grew ashamed because my neighbourhood found out and thought I was truly possessed. Outside of my home, the world was a playground. I was a queen, a pirate, a fearless explorer. With my friends, I built forts, caught fish, laughed till our sides hurt, and dared the world. Inside the house, I was always walking on eggshells, pretending to be okay. I chased perfect grades and good behaviour, hoping it would earn me love and peace. But no matter how hard I tried; I felt empty inside. I sought solace in the pages of books and the colours of art. There I found worlds where I was understood, valued, and seen.
Pushing Boundaries to Be Seen
School was a battleground. I fought, I bullied; I was a storm. I craved the attention I didn’t get at home. My only and best friend was always dragging me into wild schemes. The peak was helping her steal a debit card. The rush of excitement, fear, and thrill coursed through me, but it was short-lived…we got caught.
“You disappointed me,” my mom said after the meeting with the principal. All my walking on eggshells and good grades had become valueless. I felt numb and disconnected more than ever. Alone in my room, I began to have thoughts of suicide.
A Lifeline Found in Psychology
However, I wasn’t going to let the darkness win. I still had good grades and that was my ticket out. University was a lifeline, and psychology my compass. Surrounding myself with friends, joining clubs, volunteering, doing part-time jobs and finding a mentor was like rebuilding the broken parts of me. Therapy unlocked the door to healing. With each session, I felt a bit stronger. But I realized that a degree in psychology wasn’t a magic wand. When my friend reached out to me during her severe depression, I felt powerless; inadequate in stopping her pain from getting worse. I had failed.Something inside me snapped. So many people were struggling with mental health problems but were afraid to ask for help because of the stigma. I couldn’t just sit back and do nothing. Working as a psycho-social worker threw me into the depths of human despair. Listening to stories of trauma, torture, and suicides every day started to weigh heavy on me. This was a painful process of transformation, but it also ignited a fire within me. I dug further into mental health. Every course I took equipped me with new healing techniques. My personal journey turned into a road map for guiding others.
The Silent Struggles of Youth in Indonesia
High self-expectations, familial demands, and societal norms all intertwine, making life challenging for many young people in Indonesia. It is particularly challenging for those silently battling mental health issues and even direr for those from marginalized communities, where mental health problems are often misconstrued as moral failings or spiritual deficiencies. In a society where stigma surrounds mental health, open conversations are rare, making it difficult for these young individuals to seek the help they desperately need. As a result, these youths may experience a progressive decline in their ability to manage daily activities like attending school, maintaining jobs, and forming healthy relationships, leading to multiple consequences including social isolation and physical health deterioration. This downward spiral can severely hinder their long-term well-being, making it increasingly difficult for them to thrive and achieve personal fulfilment, ultimately trapping them in a state of persistent struggle and hopelessness.
A Sanctuary of Hope: Tembi Arunika
So, what can be done? When you step into Tembi Arunika (meaning village of hope) you immediately sense the unique spirit of the community. It’s evident that this is a sanctuary, not just an ordinary mental health space. The building is unfinished and semi-outdoor, with a raw, earthy beauty. Stone floors seamlessly blend with the lush greenery surrounding you. Large, leafy plants provide shade, while small herbs fill the air with their refreshing scent. Bean bags, along with spacious wooden tables and benches, are scattered around. Some youths are hunched over a table, having a serious conversation, others stand around in the open, airy environment, filling the space with loud laughter and warmth. It’s a level of open communication you’ve rarely encountered.
Empowering Young Minds for a Healthier Tomorrow
As you move further inside, on one side you see a young woman mixing a welcome drink in the kitchen area. On the other, you notice an industrial-style bookshelf filled with self-development books. It’s clear this place is more than just walls and rooms; it’s a place where young people can truly belong, create, and grow together. Tembi Arunika fills the gaps many mental health providers miss, focusing on prevention and early intervention. Here, youth are equipped with resilience, knowledge, and life skills to handle challenges before they become crises.
Building Belonging through Talk Mental Health
I am determined to create a space where young people, especially those who are often overlooked, can find healing, support, and a sense of belonging.
This is what I mean with “Talk Mental Health!”
