Chapter 1: The Impact of Loss

A year ago, my life took a drastic turn due to a series of heartbreaking events. The first blow was the death of my uncle, soon followed by the passing of my beloved grandmother, with whom I shared a deep bond. These losses profoundly affected me, and I found myself without anyone to confide in. My siblings were away at school, and I had never been the type to seek solace in friends, preferring the comfort of my own home.

Both my uncle and grandmother succumbed to heart attacks, which left a lasting imprint on my mind. Just ten days after my grandmother's death, my father also suffered a heart attack. I vividly remember the anguish in his eyes as he described the burning sensation in his chest. His blood pressure dropped dangerously low, and as we rushed him to the hospital, he collapsed. Thankfully, after three days of treatment, he recovered, but that night etched scars in my heart that have lingered.

The intertwined losses of my father, grandmother, and uncle took a toll on my mental health, thrusting me into the depths of anxiety, particularly a fear of death. I became so consumed by this fear that I lost my appetite, terrified that eating might trigger another heart attack. My anxiety spiraled, leading to sleepless nights filled with visions of my father's collapse.

Anxiety became my relentless companion. My body felt like it was in turmoil, and my mind was trapped in a loop of negative thoughts. I experienced panic attacks multiple times a day, with my body trembling uncontrollably and my chest in pain. No matter what I tried, I couldn’t find solace, and I was convinced that I was on the brink of death or losing my sanity.

While therapy was financially out of reach, I turned to my faith during those dark days. I started listening to bayan and speeches by Islamic scholars. I committed to my five daily prayers and recited Surah Mulk every night. Gradually, my fear began to dissipate as I cultivated a stronger belief in Allah and the afterlife. For the first time in months, I felt a sense of peace returning to my mind. Although anxiety still lingered, the overpowering fear of death began to loosen its grip.

Healing is not a linear journey. There are still days when fear resurfaces, but I have learned that setbacks are part of the process. What truly matters is my determination to keep moving forward. My faith in Allah has empowered me to confront these fears, and though the road to recovery is long, I believe that with time, I will find lasting peace.

Many people hesitate to discuss mental health, especially in communities where stigma prevails. By sharing my experience, I hope to remind others that they are not alone in their struggles and that healing is attainable through faith and support.

This video titled "Overcoming the stigma around mental illness" features Michaela Mulenga discussing the importance of addressing mental health issues openly and the impact of stigma on individuals seeking help.

Chapter 2: Breaking the Silence

In this video, "Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health," various speakers share their experiences and insights on the necessity of fostering conversations about mental health to combat stigma and promote understanding.