Sanda’s Story: Finding strength and courage to begin again
Trigger warning: trauma and suicide.
“Today, I live with a smile. I exercise regularly, eat healthy food, and take care of myself by dressing well. This is a huge change for me.“
Before Sanda* was connected with CCV’s Settlement and Engagement Transition Support (SETS) program, she was highly distressed and overwhelmed by her emotions.
Forced to flee from her war-torn country, Sanda was exposed to violence and trauma from a young age. Sanda says, this impacted her personal life and relationships, which added to her existing mental health challenges.
When she was at her lowest point last year, she knew she had to seek help.
“At the time, I didn’t know who I could talk to or where I could find support. I tried reaching out to CatholicCare over the phone, but I wasn’t sure if I was getting the right help. Eventually, I was connected with Lulu, (Settlement Case Manager), who made a huge difference,“ Sanda reflected.
Having had lived experience himself, Lulu was able to recognise Sanda’s unique needs and promptly connected her to the right support services.
Lulu also referred Sanda to Gerard, CCV Alcohol and Other Drug Counsellor, to help her find healthier coping mechanisms to manage her mental health issues and discover strength within herself.
Sanda has been getting support from CCV for over 9 months and says, “life feels very different now. I feel supported. Through counselling with Gerard, I’ve been able to work on my relationship trauma, as well as receive spiritual guidance,“ Sanda says.
With regular encouragement and check-ins from Lulu and Gerard, Sanda says she feels cared for, for the first time in a long while.
“Since working with CCV, my emotional state has improved a lot. I feel more hopeful.“
Despite initially being hesitant to reach out for help, Sanda says she is grateful that she took the first step.
Sanda has now found employment, and is starting to rebuild aspects of her personal life and relationships.
A short reflection from Sanda:
“The people at CCV genuinely care about my happiness and well-being.
Even just yesterday, I had a counselling session and left feeling like I am part of a family.
Today, I live with a smile. I exercise regularly, eat healthy food, and take care of myself by dressing well.
This is a huge change for me since late 2024, when I attempted suicide.
I will continue to stay strong and do my best for my life and future.
I also want to help others who are in need, just as I was helped.
As humans, we all need to support one another. I want to be kind to all beings and carry this spirit forward.”
Settlement and Engagement Transition Support (SETS)
One-on-one support, counselling, advocacy and informative group programs for refugees who have lived in Australia for five years or less.
