Simone Walsh: The Woman Who Turned Pain Into Purpose

Heroes of the Phoenix Rising by Vision One World

Words broke her. She now uses words to heal others.

When Words Wound

Sticks and stones may break one's bones. But words... — We know how the rest goes. In Simone Walsh's case, words didn’t just hurt — they broke her spirit, her confidence, and nearly ended her life.

"I was just not good enough for anything whatsoever."

In her twenties, Simone had already lost her will to live. Diagnosed with clinical depression and placed under suicide watch for most of her early thirties, she had no idea that her journey toward healing had just begun.

A Workplace Turned Toxic

Simone was thriving at her job — five years of dedication, positive relationships with coworkers, and professional satisfaction. Everything changed when a new manager took over.

"It was non-stop. She tormented me day in and day out."

Her manager’s relentless criticism soon made work unbearable. Simone, seeking clarity, approached her directly — only to be told she was “awesome” and that she was just “mistaken.” Hopeful and confused, Simone returned to her duties, only to face even worse verbal abuse.

“How can anyone be as stupid as you?” “Is there anything at all that you can do right?”

Public insults became the norm. Even her attempts to transfer departments were sabotaged by malicious rumors. Still, Simone stayed, trying to be strong.

"I didn’t want to be an escapist... I thought I could handle it."

But she couldn’t.

The Breaking Point

A threat of termination finally pushed Simone over the edge. She broke down in her manager’s office, confronting her years of mistreatment — only to be dismissed with laughter.

"I told her I’m going to quit... She just laughed. 'I’ll give you a few minutes to clean up and leave.'”

On her way home, Simone parked her car in the middle of a busy highway, ready to give up.

"All I wanted at that very minute was to get hit by oncoming cars."

Passers-by intervened. Emergency services arrived. Her mother was called. And with that, Simone began a new fight — this time, for her life.

Mental Illness and Family Stigma

Coming from a Jamaican background, Simone’s family struggled to accept her mental health diagnosis.

“My dad was ashamed... he wanted everything kept under wraps.”

But her mother became her rock. Doctors diagnosed Simone as severely depressed, requiring 24/7 care.

“It sunk in that I was ‘officially crazy’!” Simone laughs now, remembering the struggle that followed.

Fighting for Justice

Simone’s coworkers stood by her, testifying against her manager in a legal case. Her company initially denied her disability claim, but she fought back.

With her mother’s support and medical reports, she finally received her rightful benefits.

Simone joined an adult day treatment program for mental illness.

“It truly was an amazing program. It got me laughing and exercising my mind.”

And then came justice: her manager was dismissed. But Simone chose not to return.

“It can’t take this much for a company to decide.”

Resilience in the Face of More Bullying

Determined to start over, Simone went back to school — only to face bullying again. Her younger classmates mocked her mental health struggles. But this time, Simone stood her ground.

“I will complete what I started. And I graduated with honours!”

Her parents cheered the loudest at her graduation.

Essence of Mind: From Survivor to Supporter

Simone turned her pain into purpose by founding Essence Of Mind Outreach Program, a nonprofit supporting individuals and families dealing with mental illness.

“When you're suffering, you don’t know who to go to. My goal now is to help those people.”

The organization supports bullied children, raises funds for those waiting on mental health benefits, and offers fashion campaigns with slogans like “Life is for Living” and “Inhale Change, Exhale Failure.”

Simone develops wellness programs, seminars, and fundraising events to offer quality treatment to those in need.

Learn more at: http://www.myessenceofmind.org/about-essence-of-mind

Owning Her Story Simone is writing a book in poetic form to share her journey and break the silence surrounding mental illness.

“I push myself to be better every day... I guess God had a plan for me all along.”

Her relationship with her father has also healed. Once skeptical of mental health struggles, he now understands the depth of her experience.

Simone Walsh, your courage lights a path for so many walking silently through the dark. Thank you for reminding us that healing is possible — and that sometimes, words can heal just as deeply as they wound.