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From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Community
‘Silent Cries’ Book Tour In January Nassau, The Bahamas - A beautiful flower with a bright smile and creative mind, Tinesha was considered just shy and introverted. “I lived in the world of my thoughts,” she recalled. However, hidden beneath the surface, deep in her head and heart were layers of internalized pain and suppressed traumatic experiences unacknowledged or overlooked by those around her. “Growing up in a very toxic and abusive home, I struggled with depression and anxiety all my life but didn't realize it as mental illness. The struggle was always present internally so the discovery never really happened,” Tinesha explained. As a result, her fragile petals began to wither and fall, leaving only the stem. “I was somewhat forced to seek help after one of my former employers saw blood on my blouse from cutting myself,” she expressed. It was this nervous breakdown episode while attempting to commit suicide in 2010 which led to an evaluation by a psychiatrist and diagnosis of clinical depression - Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorder - Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). “At the time, the free treatment with Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre was too stigmatized and not an option I was willing to explore,” she explained. “It was a challenge to even maintain the necessary help I needed to get better. Treatment and medication in The Bahamas without insurance is very costly, nearly impossible.” Through her research, Tinesha discovered in many pockets of society, especially in the Caribbean discussions on mental illness remained taboo. “For decades, people in our society would silently struggle with different conditions unaware of what is truly happening to them not knowing treatment is available and they can still live a productive life.” From this discovery and her own painful process, SUSO (Speak Up Speak Out) Transformational Organization, a non-profit organization was birthed. “SUSO uses the arts, seminars, workshops and coaching/counseling sessions to bring a wider awareness, assistance and support to mental and physical illnesses that are usually overlooked, not spoken of or ignored in our society,” she explained. “Are you willing to risk the fear and pain of total transformation to live the life you were meant to live? Then SUSO is the place for you. SUSO shines a light on different mental and physical illnesses by also enhancing awareness to possible personal roadblocks while providing insights and tools to change individuals’ perspectives.”
In early 2019, Tinesha had a major relapse with depression and anxiety, was hospitalized and placed on medication again. Following the voice of God along with the encouragement of her husband, family and medical support team, Tinesha put pen to paper and wrote her first book, ‘Silent Cries’ a book focused on breaking the stigma and silence attached to mental health in The Bahamas. “Writing ‘Silent Cries’ was simply an act of obedience, this was honestly challenging and really scary with the time frame given to me from the Lord but I believe His word and as Proverbs 3:5-6 states, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on my own understanding, in all my ways I acknowledged Him and he surely directed by path.’ For every person who reads this book, it is my desire that they are enlightened and will begin to join the conversation by speaking up and speaking out. For those struggling with mental illnesses to know that even when there are dark days, it’s okay not to be okay. However, ultimately they will realize that they are not alone and hope is found on these pages which will illuminate a path of transformation and purpose,” she explained. Tinesha will have a “Bahamas Islands Book Tour” beginning on Saturday the 18th January, 2020 in James Cistern, Eleuthera at Global Outreach Ministries International at 5:00 p.m. Continuing to create a platform for awareness, education and liberty to break the silence a “Talk with the Author” session is set for Friday the 24th January, 2020 at 6:30 at Wild Tyme Restaurant with Tinesha and special guest Dr. Edrica Richardson. Additionally, in celebration of Mental Health month Tinesha will direct and produce ‘Silent Cries The Musical’ which creatively will unfold her relapse, depression and anxiety struggles as well as the healing journey which allowed her beautiful flower to bloom again. For more information, contact Tinesha Longley at tineshalongley@susotransform.com, call (242) 814-4573 or on social media FACEBOOK: @speakupspeakoutbeavoicenotanecho INSTAGRAM: @susotransformation.
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