Jawaahier Petersen: Holding my own pen
With heart-wrenching honesty Jawaahier Petersen recalls the murder of her father, the music icon Taliep Petersen. She describes how the trauma started with an earlier attempt on his life, the loss and betrayal she and her siblings experienced, and how she suffered from depression and panic attacks. In her mid-thirties, Jawaahier finds herself back in therapy. She urges all who need help to seek it, since the bravest way to create your life script is by “holding your own pen.”
Jawaahier Petersen
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In ep. 44 (rerun: ep. 76) of of the weekly podcast series Calm, Clear and Helpful, Jawaahier touches on
her parents’ divorce and her father’s remarriage
her near-death experience at the age of 11
the near-fatal stabbing incident preceding the execution-style murder of her father
the pact Taliep urged his children to make just before his death
the financial and other constraints created by her father’s passing and how Jawaahier, as the eldest sister, had to “step up”
the murder trial, involving Jawaahier’s stepmother
what experiencing panic attacks and struggling with depression, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and grief really feels like
why Jawaahier became a clinical social worker
the crutch many of us use to get through the day
Jawaahier’s tips on self-care, meant for each of us but with special reference to mothers and to men.
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About Jawaahier
Jawaahier Petersen is a former clinical social worker turned actress, singer and social activist. She is based in Cape Town and plays the role of Kaashifa in the TV series Suidooster.
She is an Ambassador for the Children’s Hospital Trust: https://www.childrenshospitaltrust.org.za/
You can follow her on Instagram, Tick Tock and Facebook.
The free podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful is available on iTunes, Spotify, Player FM and Iono.fm.
Podcast music: Mart-Marie Snyman
Thumbnail image: Pexels
Images of Jawaahier Petersen: supplied
Please note:
These articles and podcasts contain general information, intended purely for educational purposes. It should never replace professional evaluation, discussion or guidance.
If you have suicidal thoughts or experience emotional pain, immediately phone the free SADAG helpline at 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393 (both available 24/7), phone the free AKESO helpline at 086 143 5787 (available 24/7), or contact a qualified medical professional.