Chaplains Chat 

I think we all need to work hard at changing the culture around “help seeking.” There is no shame in admitting you need help. There is no shame is admitting you have days when you feel overwhelmed and depressed. There is no shame in admitting you feel stressed and anxious. There is no shame in seeking out a better way to live. Yet so many women suffer in silence.

Having spoken to many women over my 15 + years at the school who have shared of their struggles, their endless tears, thoughts of unworthiness to raise their children, feelings of inadequacy as a wife and how they even sometimes worried if their existence is worth it. For some, getting out of bed in the morning is a struggle, joy is something of the past and leaving the house creates more stress than it’s worth.

All of these feelings are valid. All these feelings don’t diminish who you are as a person, woman, mother, wife, daughter and friend. I’d like to remind you, that you don’t have to deal with what you’re feeling on your own. Even though there are days when you do feel isolated and alone. 

Brene Brown, a leading researcher on shame, says that our shame diminishes when spoken or shared. So please, speak about it with someone you trust – your partner, a friend or even blurt it out to a complete stranger. The very act of speaking about it, is the first step in getting help for it.

There is help at the tip of your finger. Call someone or seek a professional to help you work through it.  A friend or partner is a great sounding board, but if your feelings are hurting you and your family and are becoming overwhelming, then a professional person the best place to start on your journey of healing.  You are always welcome to come and see either Lily, Andre or myself and if we can certainly help support you in accessing the help you need.

It’s certainly time to break the silence and stigma. Reach out, you’d be surprised how many people truly care and will support you through this, because you’re worth so….. much more that the silence of your shame.

There are always options and hope. There is a light through the darkness. And believe it or not, that light is within you, ready to be unleashed and shine once more.

Wishing all our Woori community a wonderful Spring holiday break. Enjoy these warmer days outside and build up your vitamin D levels. 

I will be away from school, for the first few weeks of term 4, on Long Service Leave. I will look forward to seeing you all then.

Take care and stay safe.