Sara Koroi

💚 my story — mental health awareness 💚

My Mental Health Journey

Mental health is something I never thought I would speak so openly about.

I’m a mother, partner and business owner, but underneath all those titles, I’m also a woman learning how to navigate life, motherhood, relationships and my own mental wellbeing.

Motherhood has been one of the greatest blessings of my life, but it has also challenged me in ways I never expected. As mums, we become so focused on making sure everyone else is okay that sometimes we forget to ask ourselves the same question.

One of the hardest parts of my journey has been accepting changes within my own family. Having my mother and sister stop acknowledging me and my children has been incredibly painful. I’ve had to learn that I cannot control how other people behave, but I can control the love, peace and environment I create for my children.

I’ve also experienced the cultural differences surrounding mental health. With my partner being Fijian, we haven’t always grown up with the same understanding of mental health. In many Pacific Island families, there can be an expectation to simply be strong and keep going.

But being strong doesn’t mean suffering silently.

I want my children to grow up knowing that it’s okay to talk about their feelings, ask for help and admit when things are difficult.

Running Sara Suki has also played a huge part in my journey. What started in a little space in my son’s nursery became something that gave me creativity, purpose and the ability to be present for my children.

I’m still learning to set boundaries, protect my peace, rest when I need to and understand that I don’t have to have everything together all the time.

I’m sharing my story because mental health shouldn’t be something we’re ashamed to talk about.

If another mother, another Pacific Island family or simply another person struggling quietly reads this and feels a little less alone, then sharing my journey is worth it.

You can be strong and still struggle. You can be grateful and still have hard days. And you never know what someone is carrying behind their smile.

Be kind. 🤍

— Sara
Sara Suki