When I lost my brother this year, I thought there was no way out because I was very attached to him and all those memories we made together are gone now - they have become nothing but precious memories that will make me laugh and that will make me cry bitterly because...
Shared stories
I’m not afraid
I felt agitated, I couldn't function normally, I had chaos in my head, a lot of thoughts that I couldn't catch. Physically, it was fatigue and panic in certain situations. Also, I had no motivation for anything, I couldn't go to school, follow the schedule, the...
Finding My Place
It's strange to be young. I was little and then all of a sudden I had to clean my room by myself, do my own laundry. I got my first bank card, my first summer job, went to the doctor alone and called to order food alone. I also traveled alone, first by bus and then...
Beyond the balloon
The most important story of my childhood (or rather, the day I was born), was that the midwife from the hospital couldn’t get the pink balloon, to signify to my mother’s visitors that she gave birth to a girl. And ever since then, I felt like I wasn’t enough, like I...
Unmasking my emotions
I never understood how emotionaly illiterate I was, until my dad died. I took over responsibility for his funeral, because my mom couldn’t cope and my siblings are all younger. And I was fine for a few months, until I was just triggered by some paperwork that needed...
Locked in Fear
After COVID finally subsided and the lockdown was lifted in Serbia, I noticed that I have developed a fear of entering closed spaces. I stopped using public transport and taxis, I would go to the store only when I had to and I didn’t want to go out to cafes, clubs or...
Navigating Loneliness
During my first year away from home as a university student, I felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness. Being in a new environment without familiar faces left me feeling isolated and lost. But amidst the solitude, I decided to focus on my mental well-being. I began...
A school transformed
In the midst of a school filled with bullying and insecurity, a remarkable change took place. A dedicated mental health professional joined our school, becoming a beacon of hope and support. They provided a safe space for us to share our anxieties and fears. With...
From Isolation to Empathy
There was a time when I felt completely lost and isolated. I carried a heavy burden of personal issues, but the thought of confiding in a stranger felt strange and uncomfortable. Doubt and awkwardness clouded my mind as I debated whether to seek help or not. However,...
Overcoming anxiety
During my last year at high school, I was drowning in anxiety and feeling immense pressure. My mind was a mess, tangled with worry. I was afraid to seek professional help because I was worried about what my family and friends would think of me. But as the days turned...