Resilience after Surviving the 2015 Nepalese Earthquake with Michelle McFayden

Humans of HOPE: Inspiring Stories with Kerrie Atherton

Michelle McFadyen is an adventurer and motivational speaker who has dedicated her life to exploring the world's most challenging terrains and sharing her experiences to inspire others. With a background marked by courageous undertakings such as trekking to the Mount Everest base camp, McFadyen's resilience was profoundly tested during the 2015 Nepal earthquake. This catastrophic event, which claimed around 9,000 lives, became a pivotal moment in her life, reshaping her perspective on survival, trauma, and recovery. Following this life-altering earthquake, which occurred while she was en route to Everest base camp, Michelle turned to therapy and writing as mechanisms for healing, ultimately overcoming PTSD. Her story stands as a testament to human endurance and the power of seeking help through community and professional support.

In this episode of Kintsugi, Michelle McFadyen delves into the harrowing details of her experience during the 2015 Nepal earthquake. She recounts the immediate aftermath of the quake, describing the unnerving stillness preceding it and the sight of the Himalayas swaying. The ensuing chaos, marked by continuous aftershocks and widespread destruction, forced her to confront profound trauma. McFadyen discusses the importance of mental health support, detailing her journey through therapy and the pivotal role it played in her recovery. She also emphasizes the significance of storytelling in healing, sharing how personal narratives and listening to others' experiences have been instrumental in her resilience. Through her dialogue, Michelle offers invaluable insights into coping with and overcoming adversity, highlighting the need for psychological support in navigating traumatic events.

***

Thank you for listening to Humans of HOPE: Inspiring Stories with Kerrie Atherton.

Kerrie Atherton is an inspiring speaker and supporter of her community. To find out more about "Stories of Hope: Worldwide", head to https://storiesofhope.com.au/.

Purchase books in the "Stories of Hope" series, written by Kerrie: https://storiesofhope.com.au/product/stories-of-hope-australia-books/.

If you'd like to donate to the Kintsugi Heroes mission, head to https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/donate.

With thanks to:

Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt

Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss ([e-mail])

General Support: Ian Westmoreland (https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au)