Dilmaya had no one to call a friend

“I don’t have any friends now,’ says Dilmaya

Imagine having a health condition so misunderstood that people fear you.

This is why 18-year-old Dilmaya from Nepal shares her story with a deep sadness that will break your heart…

Dilmaya has already suffered so much... because of people’s misunderstanding

If you’re wondering why Dilmaya feels she has no one to call a friend, this is what she told us...

“I have epilepsy. My classmates feared that they may also have fits if they sit together with me in the classroom. That’s why I developed depression and was forced to drop out while studying in grade nine.”

Can you imagine how Dilmaya must have felt to have her peers turn their backs on her? To the point that she couldn’t show up at school anymore?

Dilmaya’s troubles began when she started having epileptic seizures from the age of just three. Dilmaya’s mum, Kausila, held back tears as she recalled…

“She used to get attacks five or six times a day. There was a time when I couldn’t sleep because I was always worried about her. What if something happens to her? What if she gets another attack while she is asleep?”

“Other people used to scold and hit her. One time, Dilmaya fell and broke her hand and collarbone. She never received love from anyone, except me.”

You may be shocked to hear of the severe stigma people like Dilmaya experience - even as small children - from their neighbours.

But sadly, in the part of the world where Dilmaya lives, mental health conditions like those Dilmaya experiences as a result of her condition, are not just misunderstood… they are feared.

There are usually no services available to help people in Dilmaya’s situation. So, instead of receiving medical help in the depths of their suffering, they are often cast aside.

In such devastating situations like these, your heart wants nothing more than to see love and understanding shown to hurting neighbours. Think of how we are called to…

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and… love your neighbour as yourself.” - Mark 12:30-31

Dilmaya misses school so much…

“I love to study. I want to go to school but I get panicked because I don’t have any friends and I am scared to go to school alone. If I had friends, I could walk to school while talking to them.”

As a result of the heartbreak and anguish Dilmaya experienced, she developed severe depression. And sadly, by the age of 13, she had begun harming herself and having suicidal thoughts, all because of people’s misunderstanding.

It’s extremely distressing to hear of a young person struggling in this way. No one should ever have to experience such despair. But thankfully Dilmaya has turned a corner, and wants to share her story, so that no one else has to go through what she has.

It is sensitive though, and you might find it upsetting, so we have added her note here, which you can choose to read if you wish.

Kausila tried everything she could to help her daughter. But sadly, it wasn’t enough…

“I was also fearful of her suicidal attempts. What would I do if she dies! These feelings came to my mind and I cried… I took her to every place possible. The only thing I want is regular treatment and medicine for my daughter.”

So, you can surely imagine the enormous relief Kausila must have felt when her family connected with caring cbm-funded Outreach Support worker, Durga.

Dilmaya now receives not only treatment for her epilepsy, but also regular home visits from Durga. Giving her a much-needed chance to speak with someone who truly understands and cares about what she is experiencing. The special bond they are developing has been life-saving for Dilmaya - and that is made possible because of people like you.