Turning tragedy into victory

We celebrate Women’s Month this August under the theme 25 Years of Democracy: Growing South Africa Together for Women’s Emancipation.

There is an increase in the levels of violence and brutality against women and children.

But most importantly, women are also fighting their own personal battles and overcoming them on their own.

August 9, 1956, marks the Women’s March to the Union Buildings. On that day, up to 20 000 women of all races, class and religious persuasions protested against the extension of pass laws.

This month will shine a light on women in the community who are playing their part in making a positive impact.

Goretta Doria is doing her part by shining a light on depression, mental health and suicide.

She was personally affected by suicide when her father took his own life 30 years ago.

“We swept the tragedy under the carpet as we did not know what to do with it. At that time, mental health, depression and suicide was a taboo, so we lived with the guilt, blame and embarrassment for 10 years. Every April, I had a wobble at work and my boss pointed out that every April I became another person. I realised I needed help and did the LifeLine Personal Growth course,” said Doria.

From her pain, she found light and decided to help others.

“From women warrior programmes, going to a psychologist, getting a personal coach and being comfortable to talk about it openly and in public has allowed me to accept the tragedy and not blame myself for his life choice,” said Doria.

She is now a master executive coach and facilitator and said helping others has become her mission.

“I actively work with people to find their purpose and passion,” said Doria.

She said there is not enough platforms for people to get help when it comes to mental health, depression and suicide.

Currently, she’s working on a crisis text line which started in the USA and went global in January 2018, and she is bringing it to South Africa.

“Because of the nature of mental health, depression and suicide, people need someone to talk to at that moment. The Crisis Text Line offers that because it is a high-tech platform that uses texts to help people in crisis: a mental or emotional state that has left the texter in a dangerous condition or unable to cope in a functional or productive way. The crisis intervention offers in-the-moment support during active crisis situations. It is a non-discriminatory, 24/7/365, free service for all individuals regardless of issue, age, race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Doria.

Crisis Text Line is a non-profit organisation and is seeking funding to launch Crisis Text Line SA.

For more information about Crisis Text Line contact Doria on 083 327 0095 or gdoria@crisistextline.org