I hope this message finds you well and in good spirits. Before we delve into the depths of my experiences and challenges, I want to convey my heartfelt appreciation for taking the time to read my story. Your understanding and support mean the world to me.
My name is Mehalet Workneh, and I hail from the beautiful region of East Africa. I wish to share with you a glimpse of my life journey, a journey that has been marked by both trials and triumphs.
I come from a large and close-knit family, consisting of seven siblings. Remarkably, my parents have been married for a remarkable 51 years. My mother’s story is particularly poignant, as she entered into a marriage at the tender age of 14 through an arranged marriage. By the age of 17, she welcomed her first child into the world. Today, my mother is a resilient 65-year-old, while my father, at 87, remains a pillar of strength in our family. Their enduring love and happiness together serve as an enduring source of inspiration.
The genesis of my journey brought me from East Africa to a faraway land, driven by a burning desire to acquire a high school and college education, and in turn, provide support to my beloved family. My quest commenced during my 10th grade when I secured my first part-time job. With adulthood came a steadfast commitment to employment, as I worked diligently to ensure my family’s well-being. My dedication eventually led me to George Mason University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Health System Management. However, the dream I had envisaged did not come to fruition, leaving me disheartened. Instead of a triumphant realization, it felt more like a daunting nightmare.
In the face of adversity, I found myself and my family residing in low-income housing. Both of my parents grappled with underlying health conditions, requiring them to rely heavily on medications. Fifteen years ago, my father’s life hung in the balance when he suffered a heart attack that necessitated open-heart bypass surgery. The news was devastating, yet we clung to our faith, and by some miracle, he emerged from the ordeal, leaving us profoundly grateful for each day we share with him.
The struggle to secure a job within my field of study pushed me to the edge, prompting me to take up two full-time jobs that offered minimum wage. Additionally, I juggled two to three side gigs during my limited spare time. This relentless work schedule enabled me to break free from my parents’ house and secure my own apartment while continuing to support my family financially. Despite these strides, the demands of a 90 to 101-hour workweek left little time for family and self.
In 2018, after enduring approximately 34 different jobs, I finally landed a more stable position as a server in a hotel lobby. This role exposed me to an array of prominent figures, including politicians, celebrities, business leaders, and tourists. However, this transition came at the cost of mounting stress, pushing me precariously close to a state of depression. The onset of depression, in turn, led to suicidal thoughts. Seeking help from psychiatric professionals became my lifeline, although it depleted my financial resources entirely. I sold everything what i have from my apartment and I moved back to my family apartment till i got better.
Depression held me in its grip for three grueling years, and I ultimately lost my job two years ago into this battle. My parents, regrettably, remained unemployed. My father received a mere $808 from his SSI, while my mother couldn’t qualify for any support as she had not been employed. During my treatment, my employer refused to provide short-term leave or disability benefits, and upon losing my job, I was not compensated for my accrued vacation hours. This loss of income left us falling behind on rent and struggling to manage our debts, forcing me to sell my car for much-needed funds.
My depression deepened, manifesting as daily despair, emotional withdrawal, alterations in sleep and eating patterns, loss of interest in once-cherished activities, and overwhelming anger, irritability, and fatigue. Panic attacks, breathlessness, and unrelenting anxiety further hindered my ability to work, ultimately leading me to disability. These debilitating symptoms disrupted my daily life, rendering me incapable of even the simplest tasks at home or in a work setting.
While I endeavored to regain my physical and mental health, my father’s condition took a dire turn. At 87 years old, he suffered another heart attack, intensifying my emotional turmoil. Medical professionals hesitated to perform surgery due to his age, and during a coronary angiogram, an unforeseen complication damaged his kidneys. Despite the odds, and through the grace of a higher power, my father survived, a testament to the remarkable power of faith and resilience.
After three arduous years of grappling with major depression, I found solace in professional mental health treatment that targeted the underlying causes. My journey toward recovery involved delving deep into my faith, dedicating two hours each day to reading the Bible, allowing me to rediscover a sense of peace and well-being as I reconnected with my creator.
My aspiration had been to return to school once I saved enough money to pursue a different career. Regrettably, my path has become fraught with overwhelming challenges for both myself and my family. I trust that you now understand the depth of my experiences and the trials I have encountered.
I am immensely grateful for the time you have taken to read my story, and your understanding and support are invaluable to me. Please know that your empathy and assistance can make a world of difference.
With heartfelt appreciation and warm regards,
Mehalet Workneh ❤️
Thank you for your time in advance, and may God bless you.
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