FROM FALLING TO RISING AGAIN: The Story Behind Hera Helené’s Anong Nangyari sa Akin?
“Kapag ba Christian o may faith kay Jesus, hindi na na-dedepress?”
“Sinaktan ako ng mga inaasahan kong makakaintindi sa akin.”
“I have been following God, pero may nagawa akong hindi tama o kahiya-hiya.”
“Nakakilala na ako kay Lord, pero bakit pa din ako nagkaganito?”
“Bakit nga ba ako nagkaganito? Anong nangyari sa akin?”
If you’ve asked yourself the same questions, then this book may be perfect for you. It not only tackles how to get back up after falling, but also offers comfort by encouraging you to be vulnerable and reminding you that you don’t have to be afraid of failing or falling all over again.
What is the book all about?
My book is a non-fiction, inspirational/Christian inspirational, and reader-centered book about Finding Hope After the Fall. It tackles getting up again, mental health, depression, healing, faith, and hope.
It begins with my personal story (shortly done, as an introduction to establish trust)—what happened to me, how I struggled, and how I found my way toward healing and recovery. Beyond my own experience, I also interviewed more than 10 people, from youth to young professionals and leaders, who have faced different mental health challenges, as well as psychologists. Their experiences and insights help identify common struggles and ways for readers to get up again.
The book also seeks to bridge faith and mental health, connecting biblical perspectives on healing and hope with psychology and mental-health understanding.
In the updated version, readers can also enjoy not only listening to songs, but also doing activities and other interactive features designed to make the experience more therapeutic, soothing, and meaningful.
Ultimately, the book is a reminder that falling is not the end—and there is still hope after the fall.
Why did you decide to publish an updated version of the book?
I may have read, researched, and interviewed people for the first edition, but as I continued learning and became a Mental Health, Psychological, and Suicide First Aider and Total Wellness Life Coach, I realized there was more substance I needed to add.
I learned that it is not enough to simply share experiences—we also need to learn how to get up again through self-care and holistic wellness (often overlooked), while exploring more deeply what may be at the source of the problem.
There were also things I originally wanted to include but removed because I was afraid to publish them. However, after sharing the first edition, I realized that some of those things were actually what people needed. This encouraged me to face the “big elephants in the room”—the difficult and often unspoken issues that need to be addressed.
The updated version therefore includes deeper insights, activities, more songs, helpful contacts and resources, and other practical features to make the book more helpful and meaningful to readers.
What is the story or inspiration behind the book cover?
The cover reflects a scene from the book when I was in college. I would lie down, stare at the ceiling or the double-deck above me, and overthink—during a season when I was depressed, with tears falling from my eyes. But from that same position, I eventually learned to slowly get up and recover. How and why is something readers will discover in the book—no spoilers.
I also pictured the people who have opened up to me about their own struggles, many of whom I could imagine in that same position.
The journal and Bible beside me are also significant. Journaling became therapeutic for me, especially writing down thoughts I was afraid others would judge. The Bible represents the faith and hope that became part of my journey toward getting up again.
Lastly, the ray of light… it’s up to the readers to define what it means to them. 🙂
What do you hope your readers will take away from the book?
I hope readers will realize that they still have a purpose and a future to look forward to, even when it feels blurry or impossible right now. There is always a way forward from where they are. As they go through the book, I hope their hope will grow and develop, and that they will come to know more deeply the Hope I speak about throughout the book. They may have to go through the process, but the journey will be worth it.
What is your favorite phrase or line from the book, and why?
“Opening up and being honest with God is the first stepping stone towards our healing and recovery.” — p. 39
This line really stayed with me because when you feel stuck, one of the hardest questions is, “Paano ba? Paano ba tumayo ulit? Paano ba magsimula ulit? Pwede pa bang magsimula ulit?” These were questions I asked during my own recovery, and I also heard them from many of the people I interviewed and readers of the first edition.
When this realization came to me during my own healing, it felt like hitting a perfect note. Being honest with yourself and with God became the first step that helped me move forward. It is about knowing that you can come to Him honestly, without fear of judgment—like simply opening your hand and reaching out to His. That’s how freedom begins.
What challenges did you experience while writing the updated version of the book?
Since I had already gone through the first phase of checking with people and making sure the facts were sound, the challenge this time was making sure the updated version was more established, reliable, and well-supported with its new information.
Time was also a challenge because the writing happened alongside my personal responsibilities. However, the process was smoother because I had learned from my experience with the first edition and knew better how to manage my time and the adjustments involved.
There was also the financial challenge, since the book is self-published and publishing the updated version meant another significant investment. I had to prepare and save enough before deciding to proceed with it.
What message would you like to share with your readers?
I wanted to let them know that I have been fighting for them while writing this book, as I fought my own battles. They are worth fighting for. The Hope they are yet to know in this book strengthened me, and that Hope is fighting for them, too. This book was made for them. I believe there is a purpose behind why they picked it up or bought it, and I have been praying with and for them.
Regardless of their beliefs, as long as they are going through struggles or facing mental health challenges, they are welcome to read this book. If they have questions or need more clarity, I am also open to discussing it with them, if possible.
As a personal author, I want to make sure that the message I intended to share is not only read, but properly delivered, understood, and felt.
Where can readers purchase the book?
- Directly from me — Readers can message me through my Facebook page (m.me/itsherahelene) or @itsherahelene on Instagram. For Philippine orders, I ship through J&T, while international orders are sent through LBC International. Direct orders include a free bookmark and pen, plus the author’s signature. eBook also available!
- Through 8Letters Bookstore & Publishing — The book is also available through their website, Shopee, and Lazada. eBook version available through their website.
- In physical bookstores — Readers can purchase physical copies from Fully Booked at MOA, BGC, and Cebu, as well as BOOKSALE; branches to be announced. 8Letters Bookstore & Publishing will also be opening a bookstore in Cavite, with details to be announced soon.
