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Three years ago, a young woman named Linh* was found lying outside the gate of Psychologist Vietnam’s clinic, disoriented, shivering, and dressed only in her undergarments. She was one of the clinic’s clients, but this time she had come in desperate need, unable even to articulate her pain. Merijn seeing her distress, brought her inside, offering her food and warmth as she slowly began to open up. She explained that she had recently discovered her boyfriend, the only person she trusted after enduring years of family abuse, had been unfaithful. The betrayal was overwhelming for her; she felt entirely isolated, abandoned by those she loved. She confessed to the Merijn that she had been torn between throwing herself into the ocean or seeking refuge at the clinic. As Linh shared her story, a darker side of her past came to light. Her family, misunderstanding her struggles with mental health, had subjected her to traumatic “exorcism” rituals, believing her behavior was due to demonic possession. They’d even gone as far as tying her up and setting her partially on fire in an attempt to “release the evil spirit.” Deeply moved and angered by her story, Merijn made it his mission to help Linh rebuild her life. He arranged for her to receive regular counseling at Psychologist Vietnam, where she began intensive therapy that helped her process her trauma and recognize her own worth. Through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and self-compassion exercises, Linh slowly learned to set boundaries, recognize healthy relationships, and rebuild her
sense of self. Over the months, she not only recovered from her heartbreak but also began to address and heal the deep scars left by her family’s abuse. Today, Linh is living in Saigon with a loving husband and two children. She continues to work through her experiences, but she has become a beacon of resilience. Her journey to healing also inspired the Merijn to launch a suicide prevention hotline, offering support to people like Linh who find themselves on the brink, without anywhere else to turn.
Another story that drove Merijn to establish the suicide prevention hotline involved a young man named Quang.* Quang, worn out and defeated, reached out to Merijn after facing multiple barriers when trying to access mental health support in his hometown. Struggling with severe burnout and depression, Quang had visited a local hospital, hoping to receive counseling or therapy. However, the doctors at the hospital, rather than offering immediate support, redirected him to their private clinics where he would have to pay high fees. Disillusioned and feeling exploited by those who were supposed to help him, Quang found himself on the verge of giving up. Hearing Quang’s story struck a chord with Merijn, who recognized the urgent need for accessible and compassionate mental health care in Vietnam. He invited Quang to Psychologist Vietnam, where Quang began his healing journey through a series of supportive, therapy sessions. Through individual therapy sessions focused on stress management, mindfulness, and resilience-building, Quang was gradually able to regain a sense of control over his life. Merijn also connected him with a local soccer team, encouraging him to build connections and rediscover a sense of community and joy. Over time, Quang not only improved his mental health but also began thriving in his personal and professional life. He found a new job that valued his skills and joined a supportive group of friends through his soccer team. The transformation he experienced drove home the reality that people like Quang were falling through the cracks due to the inadequacies and profit-driven nature of the current mental health support system. Merijn’s experience with Quang became another driving force behind the creation of the suicide prevention hotline, ensuring that anyone facing hopelessness could access immediate, nonjudgmental support. Both stories underscore Merijn ‘s commitment to addressing the mental health crisis in Vietnam through Psychologist Vietnam and the suicide prevention hotline. By providing individualized therapy and a pathway to recovery, Psychologist Vietnam has become a lifeline for those in distress, offering hope, compassion, and professional support to individuals who may have nowhere else to turn.
*Names have been changed for privacy.