YOU ARE NOT ALONE - A companion online community discussion board for The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast with Paul Gilmartin

The 28 year-old Syrian opens up about always being the minority wherever she lives (She was born in Syria, grew up in Brazil and now lives in the US), racism towards Arabs, recovering from sexual abuse, battling depression and anxiety and how getting help has saved her life. Her boyfriend Haydn, who was the previous week’s guest also sits in on the interview.

Follow Rama on Twitter @Ramitcha1

- See more at: http://mentalpod.com/Rama-I-podcast#sth ... 2gPAB.dpuf

I wanted to say how much I appreciated Rama's conversation. She was so open and honest about her experiences and offered real insights into the confusion of being a kid and being put in adult situations without the ability to respond with adult perspectives. It was wonderful to hear her say, "I was twelve!" or, "I was thirteen!" and give herself a break for not knowing what to do to protect herself.

I was also very positively affected to hear her story of what it is like to be a minority wherever she goes. I appreciated getting a different perspective on the growing tragedy of political and economic refugees who are being vilified by those who have access to the press but have no opportunity to share their own stories: what has driven them from their homes, where they hope to arrive, and what they dream of creating for their families.

I found this episode very moving and I thank Paul, Rama and Haydn for their contribution to helping to improve our humanity.

Rama was one of my favorite. Beautifully honest, and I love her voice.

I wear contact lenses and suffer from dry eyes. No problems at all during Ramas podcast, It appears she cured that, at least temporarily.

Thanks to her for sharing her life with us.