breaking
free
and STAYING CALM
A Story Of Resilience And Strength
Debra Lindsey
DEBRA LINDSEY (nee TORRY), born in Rhodesia in 1970, has danced with darkness, wrestled with doubt, and somehow still managed to find redemption. Her journey through mental health challenges hasn’t been linear—or particularly graceful—but it’s been honest, raw, and deeply human.
From panic attacks to breakthrough moments, she’s faced the kind of obstacles that don’t come with a manual, only with determination, perseverance, and bravery.
This is a tribute to the love of her family, survival, self-discovery, and the messy beauty of healing. With vulnerability as her superpower and humour as her shield, Debra shares a story that proves strength isn’t about never falling—it’s about getting back up, again and again, with positivity and stubborn courage.
customer reviews
As a little girl Debra was known for her radiant spirit and unwavering determination, despite the challenges that life had thrown her way. Born during the tumultuous Rhodesian war, Debra learned the art of resilience from a young age. It was all she knew. Her father was deployed into the wild Rhodesian bush to fight insurgents, leaving her family under constant threat. Her mother, ever vigilant, slept with a gun under her pillow for protection. It was a unique way of life.
At the young age of 11, Debra’s family emigrated to South Africa, where she completed high school. However, her trials were far from over. At 18 she found herself manipulated into her first relationship by an egotistical narcissistic tyrant, a situation that nearly cost her life. But from this darkness, a beacon of hope emerged—her baby daughter, who became her salvation and source of strength.
Through these experiences, Debra discovered her own resilience and the power of perseverance. Her journey was a testament to the indomitable human spirit, reminding us all that with courage and determination, we can rise above any storm. Her story became a beacon of hope, teaching everyone that even in the darkest times, the strength within us can light the path to brighter days. She found success in believing in herself and recognising that perfection is unrealistic, and recognising the potential to learn, grow and nurturing the right relationships is the key to happiness.