Halim’s Mental Health Recovery
- O'Joy
- Sep 9, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 17, 2025
When Halim first walked into counselling at 23 years old, his world felt overwhelming. For years, he had carried the weight of anxiety and self-doubt. Meeting new people would leave him panicky, worrying about being judged or left out. The loss of his mother at a young age placed extra responsibilities on his shoulders, setting him apart from his peers and deepening his sense of isolation.
By the end of 2021, things reached a breaking point. His anxiety escalated into panic attacks that could last half an hour — shaky hands, shortness of breath, and painful thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m not capable.” With a family history of depression and the loss of a relative to suicide, Halim feared that he might be consumed by the same struggles.
Finding Tools for Healing
In the early stages of counselling, Halim was introduced to practical ways of managing his symptoms. Simple breathing exercises helped calm his body during panic attacks. Psychoeducation gave him a clearer understanding of what was happening to his mind, while cognitive tools allowed him to challenge the harsh inner voice that told him he wasn’t enough.
He began to see how avoidance — his instinctive way of coping — was actually keeping him stuck. Through gentle reflection on his childhood and guidance from his counsellor, Halim practised setting healthier boundaries and allowing himself to face situations that once felt unbearable.
Growing in Confidence
As counselling continued, Halim noticed real change. Instead of thinking “they will leave me,” he reframed it as “they are busy.” This small but powerful shift helped reduce his fear of rejection.
At work, he found himself handling stressful situations with more calmness and assertiveness. In his friendships and relationship, he grew more confident in expressing his needs and standing firm on his values. No longer was he suppressing his feelings — he was learning to use his voice.
Discovering Strengths
Beyond reducing his anxiety, Halim also uncovered strengths he hadn’t seen before. He realised that he was deeply reflective, resilient in setbacks, and increasingly compassionate towards himself. He learnt that self-care was not selfish, but necessary. Taking time for rest, self-reflection, and even moments of self-love gave him energy to keep going.
With growing clarity, Halim made thoughtful decisions about his studies and career. For the first time, he felt free to choose paths aligned with his values, not just out of fear or pressure.
A New Chapter
By the later stages of counselling, Halim felt a greater sense of stability and balance. He could sit with his anxiety without being overwhelmed, regulate his moods more effectively, and navigate relationships with more confidence. Even in moments of conflict or uncertainty, he discovered he could stay grounded and trust himself to cope.
Looking Back
Halim’s story is one of courage and transformation. From crippling panic attacks to a place of resilience and self-awareness, he has shown that healing is possible. Most importantly, he learnt that seeking help is not a sign of weakness — it was the turning point that allowed him to grow stronger, step by step. His is a powerful mental health recovery story that shows how counselling can change lives.
✨At O’Joy, we believe no one should struggle alone. If you or someone you know is facing anxiety, depression, or overwhelming stress, mental health counselling can make a difference.
💙 Your support also makes stories like Halim’s possible — helping us continue to bring hope and healing to those in need. Donate here
