Amina’s Story
From Isolation to Empowerment
In the heart of Uganda’s capital Kampala, 19-year-old Amina had always felt isolated by her struggles with anxiety and self-doubt. She spent most of her time feeling alone and misunderstood, as mental health was rarely discussed in her family or school. It wasn’t until she attended a Twogere Social Contact Education session that everything changed for her.
The session, which took place at Amina’s school, was led by Zurah, a young woman who bravely shared her own experience with depression. Zurah’s openness about her struggles, how she overcame the darkness of her mind, and her journey towards recovery gave Amina the courage to open up for the first time.
“"Before hearing Zurah’s story, I thought I was the only one who felt so anxious all the time,” Amina recalled. “I thought something was wrong with me. But when Zurah spoke, it was like she was describing my life. I felt seen, I felt understood.”
The Social Contact Education session not only helped Amina understand that mental health struggles are common but also gave her the strength to talk about her feelings. For the first time, she shared her anxiety with her family, something she had been too afraid to do before.
“"I now know it’s okay to talk about how I’m feeling. I don’t have to hide it anymore. And if I need help, I know where to turn,” Amina said, smiling as she reflected on the change.
Since that day, Amina has become more confident in her interactions with others, and her mental health has improved as she no longer feels isolated in her struggles. The power of hearing someone else’s story has given her the strength to create a support network and become a mental health advocate in her school.