Get to Know My Journey

My name is Witsqa, and I was born in Jakarta, Indonesia. Throughout my life, I've worn many hats: singer, songwriter, dancer, choreographer, teacher, doctor, manager, counselor, author, co-founder, advocate, speaker, producer, director, and more.

Known for my many passions and ambitions, I've often found myself in the midst of identity crises. I struggled with figuring out who I was and what I wanted to do. People told me to choose one path, but I found it incredibly difficult and ended up juggling multiple roles at once and burning myself out.

I eventually realized that doing so many things was a way to mask my insecurities. Despite all my achievements, I still felt like I wasn't good enough and constantly felt the need to prove my worth. This led to frequent bouts of burnout.

For most of my life, I have always been struggling mentally. I was bullied, betrayed, abused, lost, insecure, anxious, and suicidal, and it felt like the world was closing down on me. I went through self-harm, disordered eating, and abusive relationships, and I was hurting myself trying to save other people.

I remember one time I was so anxious, that I fainted in front of my patient. I had not slept, eaten, or properly rested for almost a week straight. Although I was physically unharmed, I felt sick to my bones, because I am mentally unwell. Yet, only by having gone through several traumatizing experiences and acknowledging the need for a change in perspective can I arrive at the starting point of my journey back to self-love and inner peace.

What I Went Through

In 2019, I started therapy and was diagnosed with Mixed Anxiety and Depressive Disorder (MADD), followed by Bipolar II five years later. However, I am determined not to be defined by my diagnosis.

I spent years in therapy working on my mental illness, learning about myself, and gathering every tool available. This journey provided me with true insights into mental illness that I was never taught in medical school. I don't just have the knowledge; I live and practice it every single day. My lived experience with mental health has made me a better doctor.

I've learned that mental health treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Each individual is unique, requiring personalized exploration and learning. Journaling and meditation have been lifesavers for me, helping me rediscover my true self and live with intent, joy, and love.

My medical studies provided free therapy sessions, enriched by insights from my curriculum. This exposure gave me a deep understanding of how mental health, physical well-being, social interactions, and careers are interconnected. I recognize the privilege of receiving diagnoses, knowing many Indonesians lack this due to limited awareness, education, and access.

This realization inspired me to establish MengenalDiri.ID (Get to Know Oneself.ID), a non-profit organization focused on the self-development and mental well-being of Indonesian youth. Creating this platform has strengthened me, reminding me that our experiences, both good and bad, are shared human experiences. It motivates me to improve myself and support others.

Healing Myself, Healed Others

Living Authentically

My personal experiences led me to find my purpose, pushing me to become a mental health professional. This path allows me to assist others in a holistic manner, as I’ve come to understand that health and well-being are influenced by many factors. By staying true to myself and shedding societal expectations, I was able to revive my music career. Now, I create music inspired by my journey, raising mental health awareness through art—this is what I call aligning my passions with my purpose.

Living with a mental health diagnosis as a mental health professional is challenging, as any journey is. Every day, I work on practicing what I preach and improving myself because I believe we evolve daily through new experiences and encounters.

Through a blend of knowledge, practice, and resilience, I've built a fulfilling and abundant life. I now dedicate myself to making the world a better place by leaning on compassion, providing a judgment-free space for people to share, and offering tools to help individuals work on themselves and reach their full potential.

My Credentials

I made sure that I equipped myself well enough to help you in your journey

Internationally Accredited Coach
  • The Coaching Masters Academy - International Authority for Professional Coaching and Mentoring

Certifications
  • Psychological First Aid - Johns Hopkins University

  • Addiction Treatment - Yale University

  • Universal Treatment Curriculum for Substance Use Disorder and Counseling - ISSUP & The Colombo Plan

  • Peer Counseling Training - Department of Psychiatry RSCM

Medical Background
  • Bachelor of Medical Science - University of Melbourne

  • Doctor of Medicine - Universitas Indonesia

Speaking Portfolio

I have been an advocate and teacher of mental health in various platforms and events across the globe