“This is something I rarely say out loud…
As the founder of Talk Mental Health Indonesia.
But maybe it’s time you knew.”

Not a Story of Arrival, But of Searching

Jiwa Pulih Bahagia Foundation office in Prenggan, Palbapang, Bantul, Yogyakarta

When people look at what I’ve created through Talk Mental Health Indonesia (TMH.id), the community, the conversations, the care. They often assume it began from a place of clarity. That I founded this platform because I had healed. That I was ready to lead others through something I had already mastered.

But the truth is, this began from something much more raw.

I didn’t start TMH.id because I had it all figured out.
I didn’t build a platform for people to talk about mental health because I had fully healed myself.
I created this space because I needed it too.

I was searching for somewhere I could be truly honest about the things I was feeling but didn’t always have the words or courage to express.
A space where vulnerability was welcomed, not judged.
Where silence wasn’t mistaken for strength, and crying wasn’t considered a weakness.

When I couldn’t find that space around me, I started building it.
First quietly. Then slowly. And eventually, with others who were searching for the same thing.

Living in Two Truths at Once

I’ve learned that two seemingly opposing truths can co-exist.

Yes, I advocate for others to speak up.
Yes, I’ve spent years learning how to hold space for others.
Yes, I’ve facilitated healing spaces, led workshops, responded to DMs, and listened to stories that broke my heart open.

And still….

There are days when I wake up feeling anxious for no clear reason.
There are moments when I say “yes” out of fear of disappointing someone.
There are boundaries I’m still learning to set because I used to believe that love always meant sacrifice.

I am not “fully healed.” I am healing, still.
And perhaps, I always will be.

But I don’t see that as failure.
I see it as proof that I am still growing, still becoming.

What You Might Not See

First event of Art Therapy in Yayasan Jiwa Pulih Bahagia

People often see the visible parts of TMH.id:

The curated posts and thoughtful captions.
The healing circles, webinars, and events.
The gentle tone we use to communicate.

But behind all of that are things they don’t always see:

The emotional toll of consistently holding space for others.
The unexpected resurfacing of my own past wounds when listening to someone else’s pain.
The internal battles I navigate in silence questions, doubts, self-reflection that never make it to social media.

I’ve learned that creating healing spaces for others doesn’t mean I never feel broken.
It just means I’ve chosen to walk with others while learning how to carry my own pieces too.

What TMH.id Has Given Me

A Joyful Moment During the Session at Yayasan Jiwa Pulih Bahagia

I used to think I created TMH.id to help people.
And while that’s true, it’s helped many I’ve come to realize something just as important:

TMH.id has also helped me.

Through this journey, I’ve been:

Reconnecting with the voice I thought I had lost.
Healing the parts of myself that had stayed silent for too long.
Learning how to lead without abandoning myself.
Discovering that building community doesn’t mean I’m the guide above it, it means I’m part of it too.

Each story shared.
Each moment of mutual understanding.
Each DM that says, “Thank you, I thought I was alone”
All of that has been part of my own healing.

You Can Lead and Still Be in Progress

A safe space at Yayasan Jiwa Pulih Bahagia to help you reconnect with nature

I want you to know this, especially if you’re someone who’s building something for others while trying to stay afloat yourself:

You can lead and still be healing.
You can be of service and still need space.
You can be strong and vulnerable at the same time.

💛 Healing while serving is not hypocrisy.
It’s humanity.

In fact, it’s one of the bravest things you can do.

To Everyone Who Are Also Healing

If you’ve ever created something, an initiative, a community, a safe space not just to support others, but because you needed it too, I want you to know:

You’re not alone.
There’s no shame in healing through the work you do.
Your imperfection is not a flaw, it’s a bridge that connects you to others.

We don’t have to wait until we’re “fully okay” to show up.
We just have to show up honestly.

Let’s Keep Creating Space for Each Other and for Ourselves!

Founder and Co-Founder of Talk Mental Health ID

This is your reminder: you don’t have to be fully healed to be a source of healing.
You don’t need to have all the answers to make a difference.
Your presence, your truth, your story is matters.

Thank you for being part of this shared space.
Thank you for believing in the power of honesty and heart.

If you felt seen in these words, then this space was always meant for you, too.

Building a Space That Healed Me Too – The Story Behind TMH.id