Rasha's Story: "I feel as if my wings have been cut off"

I entered my house and locked the door, I began to break down and cry.

I feel as if my wings have been cut off. I’ve lost my appetite, and my thoughts are lost somewhere between returning to death or staying in this hell.

The days are heavy, as if hope has left my life forever. It is all night now, but I can't sleep; the sun is shining, but morning never comes.

When I step outside again, my heartbeat increases, I tremble, but I try to hold myself together, smile, and pretend to be strong. I feel terrified to leave the house.

Do you want to know why?! Because of a behaviour or a word that came out of someone’s mouth, either forgetting or ignoring my humanity—that I am a “(bad word)” immigrant who came to take everything from them.

That person says their words or behaves in an inhumane way and then leaves, but they do not realize the impact it has on my mental state, which can lead to suicide, depression, or at the very least, a loss of passion.

Please think before you say anything. A word is a responsibility. Your words can either harm or bring hope. Choose wisely.

Together against racism.

Names have been changed to protect the identity of the author.