What happens when your world is violated and you no longer feel safe in your own life? When your places of creativity, your physical environments, and your personal boundaries are infringed over and over again by one person? For photographer Acacia Diana, this relentless stalking continued for eight years before reaching its end in the courts. But the impact on her mental health cannot be measured in years, or in legal judgements. On this episode of Because Feelings Matter, Acacia talks about how she’s painstakingly fought her way from being a victim to becoming a survivor.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse and harassment, you can contact these helplines: Telenita-AWAM (016-237 4221 / 016-228 4221), WAO (03-3000 8858 / Whatsapp 018-988 8058), WCC Penang (011-3108 4001 / 016-439 0698), Sarawak Women for Women Society (016-5822660), Sabah Women’s Action-Resource Group (088-280 200 / 011-2790 8020).

‘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.