Rebuilding Hope: A Journey of Recovery through Peer Counselling

Sarah (name changed for privacy), a 34-year-old woman, was struggling with severe depression and self-destructive thoughts, feeling isolated and hopeless. Referred to the Women’s Mentoring Foundation (WMF) by a concerned very overwhelmed parent, she entered a 12-week peer counselling program designed to address her unique challenges.

In the initial sessions, the peer counsellor focused on building trust, allowing Sarah to open up about her struggles. Over the weeks, personalised support helped Sarah develop coping strategies, such as mindfulness and journaling, to manage her depressive episodes. The counsellor’s continuous encouragement empowered Sarah to see her progress and regain control over her emotions.

By the end of the program, Sarah experienced a significant reduction in her depression and no longer felt overwhelmed by self-destructive thoughts. She had built a strong support network and was able to engage in daily life with a renewed sense of purpose, marking a pivotal turnaround in her mental health journey.