Advertise on podcast: Nia Conversations with Siya Ben

How do you find a therapist that works for you? What can you expect to pay for a session? Today I discuss this and also talk about some of the free options available in South Africa. I hope you’re able to listen with an open heart.

I used to be hard on myself because I thought, “you should be over it by now, Siya. Come on, you cannot still be crying about the same thing.” But I’ve realised that that was me trying to rush the healing process. What I know for sure is that there is no timeline for healing. It’s a process and you need to be patient, kind and gentle with yourself.

As a person who was diagnosed with depression a few years ago, I’ve heard a lot of things from people who thought they were trying to make me feel better. While understand that they meant well and were coming from a good place, there are some things you should never say to someone with depression. Today I share a few of those things. I hope you’re able to listen with an open heart.

I’m still in a season of waiting in my life and today I want to talk about surrender. I’d like to share why I’m choosing to trust in something that is bigger than myself, something that is outside of myself, even when I don’t understand (sometimes). I hope you’re able to listen with an open heart.

I’ve been in a season of waiting for a while now and it can get a little frustrating at times. You’ve probably been in a place where you’ve trusted God for something, and hoped that he’d come through for you ASAP. What I’ve learned in this season, though, is that God doesn’t always do things when and how we want him to. On this episode I chat about what this season looks like for me and what has kept me going.

Today I just want to remind you that you’re not alone. May you be reminded that no matter how tough and lonely this season may be, you’re not alone. May you find comfort in this truth and may you draw strength from those who’ve come before you. I hope you’re able to listen to this episode with an open heart.

Have you ever had to navigate the workplace while battling with depression? I have! Today I open up about my experience and how it made me feel. I hope we can one day get to a place where people aren’t ashamed to talk about their experiences. Let’s silence the shame.

On this episode I chat about the other side of pain. I would have never imagined that I’d ever get to a place where the things that used to hurt me (and keep me up at night) no longer have the same effect on me. I’ve come to learn that there’s so much beauty on the other side of your pain. You just need to have an open heart.

I know for sure that tough times don’t last. Today, I want to remind you that things always get better. No matter what you’re facing right now, just know that you will get to the other side.

I’m in a place where I can safely say I feel good and I’m genuinely happy, from the bottom of my heart. I realise the importance of mentioning this because I’ve had many bad days. So, this is a space that I’m celebrating, one that I’m happy to be in. With that said, I think it’s also very important to note that it takes work (sometimes) to get here. Today’s conversation is about what doing the work really looks like. I talk about those moments that no one else sees, the moments that eventually lead to you becoming a better version of yourself. I hope you’re able to listen with an open heart.

The waiting season is not easy and I’ve had my fair share of struggles in this season. If you’ve ever found yourself here, you’ll probably understand why it sometimes feels so barren because you’re not producing any “fruit”. This is where I am right now. Listen as I share how I’m learning to stand. I hope you’re able to listen with an open heart.

One thing I’ve learned about trauma is that it changes your life forever — whether in a good or a bad way. Over the years, I’ve had many flashbacks about the rape incident and have had to find tools and resources to help me with the ordeal. Today I talk about one of the things l do whenever those violent flashbacks come. I hope you’re able to listen with an open heart.