Leaving an abusive relationship may seem the best option in cases of domestic violence. Yet, many victims of domestic violence stay. There are many reasons why someone will stay in an abusive relationship.

Guest Columnist
I survived Postpartum Depression (PPD).

Maternal Mental Health week was in April. Not many people know this. Why? One big reason is that many people who experience maternal mental illness are too scared to talk about it - for fear they will be seen as a bad mother.

My personal battle with maternal mental illness was against postpartum depression. An illness I describe as a slow-moving fog of blackness that sneaks up and completely consumes you, and by the time you realize it... it’s already too late.

In India, girls are married off early, parents are not aware of the importance of education, school standards are low, and children are forced to work to help their parents in earning a living.

The India School Project (TISP) is a non-denominational and politically neutral charitable association headquartered in Switzerland. It invests in the education and well-being of disadvantaged children and their mothers in rural, underdeveloped villages on an island in India. As it is self-funded and reliant on donations, the association members work on a voluntary basis.

I recall the first time I volunteered in college. I volunteered at my local church. I was so excited to join a cause and be a part of something that I believed in. It meant a lot to me to be around other people who also really cared about making a difference. I made friends and connections that I would never forget. I am still in touch with some of the people I volunteered with, worked with and served. I think what I enjoyed the most about my experience was being a part of a community.

"Seek the wisdom that will untie your knot. Seek the path that demands your whole being." - Rumi

So many times in life we look for others to make us happy and we put our happiness in their hands. We may depend on others to do things that we believe will bring us happiness and when they do not we blame them or become angry. This is a recipe for disaster.

In my journey with Nonviolent Communication (NVC) I have come to understand that I am responsible for meeting my needs and that other people are not.

There will be times in our lives when things beyond our control will deeply affect us. It could be the loss of a loved one, a divorce, a financial crisis, being on the receiving end of abuse or even a loss of employment. When these things come our way they can be emotionally devastating.

Having gone through my share of hardship, I have come up with a list of things that someone can do to navigate through the storm.