In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the world into lockdown. The streets became empty. Shops, businesses, offices and schools were shut. Some families were kept apart. For vulnerable, marginalised communities like the homeless and the destitute, everyday life became perilous. Alya Syahida Allias, an activist for high risk communities, straddled these worlds as the lockdowns dragged on. This is her story of suffering from burnout, and how mental health therapy helped her to find clarity and purpose again. 

‘Because Feelings Matter’ is a series that brings you the stories of people and their mental health issues. These stories aim to normalise conversations about mental health, and to show that it’s okay to struggle emotionally and psychologically, but more importantly, to reach out for help. This series is produced in collaboration with Thrive Well.