Dream.co.id. Past experiences often drive individuals to share their journeys with others. This can take many forms from social media posts and blogs to creating dedicated platforms for those seeking a way out of similar struggles.
This is the path taken by former Halodoc Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Felicia Kawilarang, through her platform, Ryse & Shyne. Created as a safe space for women, the platform aims to raise mental health awareness, specifically for women.
Mental health issues are no trivial matter. Research from the American Psychiatric Association shows that roughly 30% of people will experience an anxiety disorder at least once in their lives. Despite how common it is, the issue remains widely misunderstood—even by those living through it.
This was the reality for Felicia Kawilarang. Her long journey navigating anxiety and depression eventually became a calling. She felt moved to establish a safe haven for women through the platform she founded last May.
From Childhood Anxiety to Adult Depression
Felicia admits she felt the stirrings of anxiety as a child, though she didn't understand it at the time. "Back then, mental health wasn't a topic people talked about much," Felicia explained in a statement received by DREAM.
It wasn't until her college years that she truly recognized the issue. After consulting with a professional, Felicia was clinically diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder (GAD). "From that point, I understood better how to cope," she added.
However, the challenges didn't end there. A few years ago, Felicia hit a major turning point. Just as her career and relationship plans seemed perfectly aligned, she faced a drastic life change. Once again, her mental health was put to the test.
"I felt like I had lost control over my life, and that’s when I began experiencing depression," she recalled.
The Birth of the Platform
Driven by these experiences, Felicia wanted to create a sanctuary for women facing similar struggles. After recovering from depression, she felt her newfound healing needed to serve a greater purpose. This sparked the idea for a space where women could feel safe, empowered, and heal together.
"A place where they can connect and support one another without the fear of judgment or the shame of being themselves," she explained.
According to Felicia, mental health should never be viewed as a disgrace. It can affect anyone, regardless of their background, life story, or level of success.
"Unfortunately, stigma and misconceptions are still very strong, especially toward women. The more someone denies what they are going through, the harder it is to manage properly," said Felicia, who believes the first step toward recovery is accepting one's mental health condition.
The Path to Healing
Felicia acknowledges that the healing process cannot be rushed or forced. Everyone has their own path; there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution. Some may find peace through meditation, others through journaling or different therapeutic methods.
"The most important thing is being able to sit with uncomfortable feelings, understanding change, and accepting and loving ourselves as we are. From there, we can find happiness in small moments," she said.
Through her platform, Felicia seeks to turn her personal journey into a larger movement—a healthier ecosystem for Indonesian women. "Every woman deserves a space to be heard, to heal, and to grow again. I believe that when women support each other, no one has to feel alone in their healing journey," she concluded.
"The more someone denies what they are going through, the harder it is to manage properly."
Source: Dream.co.id
