Подорож Люсі: Від Ефіопії до Барселони та пошук мети через адвокацію психічного здоров'я

Hi Lucy, tell us a little about yourself and how you ended up settling in Barcelona?

I never know where to begin. Perhaps because I’ve lived many beginnings. I was born in Ethiopia, but my childhood unfolded across different continents; Ethopia, the Netherlands, and Tunisia. My family moved a lot, so I learned early what it means to connect with many homes at once.

Later, I moved again to study in the UK. After graduating, I found myself at a crossroads. I wasn’t sure where to go next, who I wanted to become, or what direction my professional life should take. A spontaneous weekend trip changed everything: I visited Barcelona for just a couple of days and immediately felt this deep sense of belonging. I thought, “This is where I want to live”. So I went home, packed everything up, and moved here.

My first years in Barcelona were challenging. I wasn’t able to validate my degree, so I had to start from zero. I took any job I could find; working in areas from customer service, to construction, to cleaning. I had no network, no friends, and no clear roadmap. But I was still grateful. Something inside me felt aligned here.

Around that time, my interest in psychology deepened.  It began out of curiosity and desire to understand myself better, and transformed into a wish to help others. I began by taking online courses until, two years ago, I decided to fully, and formally, commit by returning to university to study psychology. Studying as an adult student is a very different experience, but I truly love it.

What are your thoughts on mental health and the role it plays in your daily life?

For me, mental health is woven into the fabric of everyday life. Everything you do either nurtures your mental health or drains it.

I had my own insecurities and struggles growing up and, over time, I learned what works for me. These are things such as movement, taking Vitamin D, spending time outdoors, finding meaningful social contact, and maintaining routines that help me through the darker winter months.

I think many people don’t realize how much they already do for their mental health, without defining  it as that. It’s the small everyday things like going for a walk, resting, eating well, reaching out to someone, and noticing what lifts you up or weighs you down.

I also wish the term “mental health” carried more positive associations. Sometimes it sounds heavy or negative, as if it’s something to fear. But when you can see mental health as something that enriches your life rather than something that is wrong with you, your relationship to it changes completely.

How did you first connect with Iguality?

Honestly, it was about timing and a bit of luck. I was actively looking for nonprofits where I could gain experience in psychology and one day a post appeared on my LinkedIn feed from an old colleague, Luciana, who is now one of the founders of Iguality. The description resonated immediately. Iguality was everything I had been looking for: values-driven, open, accessible, and English-speaking, which is rare in Barcelona.

I met with Vincent and we had such a meaningful first conversation. I felt instantly connected to the mission and the people behind it.

Tell us more about how you contribute to Iguality’s work.

When I first started volunteering, I supported Iguality’s communications team. I wrote blog posts, interviewed volunteers and participants, helped with social media, assisted with events, and joined activities like football or hiking in the mountains.

I told Vincent: “Place me wherever you need me.” I wanted to help in any way I could. Being involved in this way was both creative and grounding. Through writing and interviewing others, I discovered how much these stories moved me.

Even though I wasn’t part of the psychologist, or foundation team, I felt honored to contribute to something so meaningful. I loved participating behind the scenes and seeing the impact.

Although I no longer live in Barcelona and my role with Iguality has naturally shifted, I continue as an ambassador, supporting Iguality digitally and sharing its mission whenever and wherever I can.

What is it about Iguality’s mission that feels so meaningful to you?

I deeply believe in the value of nonprofit work, and doing good without expecting anything in return. Iguality provides access, opportunity, and dignity to people who might otherwise be excluded, and that matters enormously to me.

Having lived abroad multiple times, I understand how isolating it can feel to start from zero, especially when you are without a support network. That’s why Iguality’s mission resonates so much with me.  It opens doors, offers care, and creates space for those who need it.

The Iguality team is truly something.. From the very beginning, I felt the passion, dedication, and sincerity of everyone involved; Vincent, Cristiana, Alex, and all of the volunteers. That kind of motivation is contagious in the best way.

What does community mean to you and how does Iguality help build it?

For me, community is another word for belonging. It’s the feeling of being part of something, being included, and having access to the same opportunities as others. Belonging isn’t just emotional, it’s structural. Iguality creates spaces where people can feel part of something bigger. 

One example I really love is the weekly football matches that another volunteer, Carlos Sánchez, organizes. Organised in neighborhoods where people are often overlooked, they bring together and connect individuals from different backgrounds. Everyone can join and everyone is welcome.

Activities like these make the community feel warmer, safer, and more connected. This is especially true for people who are new to the country, navigating cultural differences, financial stress, or loneliness.

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?

I would say: do it. 100%. But also: know why. You don’t need a psychology background to contribute. Maybe you simply want to give back or be part of something meaningful. Whatever your reason, having a sense of purpose makes volunteering even more fulfilling. Iguality is sustained by values and purpose and when you bring your own purpose into it, it becomes an incredibly enriching experience.

What message would you share with someone struggling with their mental health right now?

I would start by saying: it’s perfectly okay. We often make our struggles heavier by thinking we shouldn’t be struggling. Many people hide their bad days because they don’t want to burden others or change the atmosphere. But every human being goes through difficult periods. You’re not alone. I encourage people to begin gently: What is one small thing you can do today to feel a little better? If you can’t think of anything, who could you talk to? And if you have no one, or if that isn’t enough, explore other options. There are always more possibilities than we think.

Is there anything else you’d like readers to know?

You don’t have to know everything. The more I learn, personally and academically, the more I realize that not knowing is okay. Life unfolds one step at a time. You don’t need all the answers today. If you stay open, things will fall into place when the time is right. One small step is enough.

This article was revised and finalised by Marianne McDade.