Get to know the Panda’s story
Return Of The Panda is a not-for-profit organisation and the brainchild of Founder and Director, Fatimah Abbouchi.
Learn more about the story that inspired the creation of this non-profit, and Fatimah’s role in the community below.
The back story
“Where is the ‘panda’ from? I remember that whenever my feelings got the best of me, tears would stream down my face and ruin my makeup, or get dark circles from lack of sleep or puffy eyes from crying uncontrollably. I’d often look in the mirror and be reminded of a panda, with their smoky black eyes, thinking once again, anxiety has brought me to tears because of my fears – and as a result, the panda had returned.
For many years, I’ve been working hard to accomplish and maintain a highly successful corporate career, during which I have been battling with the depth and breadth of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety sprung up on me, unannounced (and uninvited) one evening back in 2007 on a night out with my sister. Since then, I have been doing everything I can to manage my anxiety so it doesn’t manage me. Some days have been harder than others. For the first few months, I became easily overwhelmed with my emotions, making it difficult to cope. These days I am on a path to recovery and have learned to manage my anxiety.” ~ Fatimah Abbouchi
Read about Fatimah’s story and her journey with mental health and anxiety, from the day her life changed forever to where she is now. Link to article here.
Our Purpose
Return of the Panda is inspired to educate and inform sufferers that they are not alone. We feel for you because we’ve been through tough times too. By inspiring hope and sharing our story, we hope to help people manage their anxiety, showing you how not to let the anxiety manage you.
Our Mission
Our mission is to inspire hope and provide practical support, so people like us can find reassurance and comfort whenever we need it. Embracing you with comfort, encouragement, and support, we aim to end the stigma and suffering around anxiety, helping you on your journey to recovery.
Places where the Panda has been
From secondary schools, corporate workplaces to homeless shelters, and everything in between. By inspiring hope and sharing our story, we hope to help people manage their anxiety, showing them how not to let the anxiety manage them.
National Australia Bank
The Big Issue Women’s Homeless Soccer Team
Skyzone Funlab
Telstra Super
Get in touch
If you are someone who suffers from anxiety or you run a business, organisation, or school that could benefit from our programs and initiatives, we’re here to help.
Get in touch with us today
Disclaimer
The information on this website is provided as a service to the public and offers general information only. It is not intended to be and should not be relied on as a substitute for specific medical or health advice. While every effort is taken to ensure the information is accurate, Return of the Panda makes no representations and gives no warranties that this information is correct, current, complete, reliable or suitable for any purpose. We disclaim all responsibility and liability for any direct or indirect loss, damage, cost or expense whatsoever in the use of or reliance upon this information. This website may contain links to linked websites controlled or produced by other organisations. The links are provided for convenience only and are not an endorsement of any products or services at those other websites, which also may not remain current or be maintained. We are not liable to you or anyone else if interference with or damage to your computer systems occurs or if you suffer any loss, cost or expense in connection with your use of this website or a linked website.