Presenting A Safe Room For Women, Felicia's Steps Are Prohibited From Caring For Mental Health

Felicia Kawilarang (Ist)

JAKARTA - According to the American Psychiatric Association, 30% of people will experience anxiety disorder or anxiety disorders at least once in their life. Although common, mental health issues are often misunderstood, even those experiencing them.

This is what Felicia Kawilarang, former Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) experienced on one of the health platforms. Her long journey of dealing with anxiety to depression eventually grew a heart call. She was moved to provide a safe space for women through the Ryse and Shyne platform, which she founded last May.

From Anxiety Since Childhood to Depression at an Adult age Felicia admitted that she had felt anxiety since childhood, although at that time she did not understand what she was experiencing.

I had an anxiety since I was a child but didn't know what really happened. At that time, the issue of mental health had not been talked much. Only after college did I start diving, consulting with experts, and finally got a clinical diagnosis that I had a general anxiety. From there, I understand better how to deal with it, Felicia's story.

However, the journey didn't stop there. A few years ago, Felicia faced a big turning point in her life.

"At that time I felt that everything in life, both career and relationship, had been carefully arranged and went according to plan. However, suddenly everything changed drastically. I feel lost control of my life, and that's where I started to experience depression," he recalled.

The birth of Ryse and Shyne The experience moved Felicia to create a safe space for women who felt the same way.

When I finally managed to recover from depression, I felt that this healing should have more meaning. I want to build a place so that women can feel safe, empowered, and recover together. A place where they can connect with each other, support each other, without fear of being judged or ashamed to be themselves, "added Felicia.

Through Ryse and Shyne, Felicia brings a vision to raise awareness of women's mental health in Indonesia.

Mental health issues should not be considered a disgrace. Mental health disorders can be experienced by anyone, no matter their background, life story or success. Unfortunately, stigma and misperception are still so strong, especially against women. The more a person denies what he experienced, the more difficult it is to manage properly. Instead, acceptance is the first step towards recovery.

Healing Is A Process, Not A Line

For Felicia, the healing process cannot be rushed, let alone forced. Everyone has their own way.

There is no one solution for all. Some feel helped by meditation, some are suitable for journaling, there are other ways. Most importantly, we are the American Psychiatric Association, Anxiety Disorders, (2024) able to sit with feelings that are uncomfortable, understand change, accept and love ourselves as they are. From there we can find happiness through small moments.

Felicia wants to turn her personal journey into a bigger movement, a healthier ecosystem for Indonesian women.

Every woman has the right to have room to hear, to recover, and to grow back. I believe, when women support each other, no one needs to feel alone on their healing journey, "concluded Felicia.