“Blooms of Hope: Regina’s Journey from Despair to Leadership”
Regina a 49-year-old peasant farmer and mother of seven residing in Maaji refugee Settlement transformative journey began in the midst of overwhelming responsibilities and the weight of grief as she found herself shouldering the care of her late brother’s five children. The burden became insurmountable, leading to a cascade of challenges, from financial constarints, failing to pay school fees and provide for other basic needs like food to emotional turmoil. Her attempts to share this load with her elder sister were thwarted when the sister’s husband disagreed with the idea, deepening her sense of despair. This made her feel hopeless in life which affected her interest in the things she used to do like farming, became lonely, lost appetite and her sleep pattern changed.
This year, a glimmer of hope entered Regina’s life when a community volunteer assessed and invited her for group therapy where she met 11 other female members and they set their convenient date for meeting and elected the leader. “I shared my struggles with the group members and they provided me suggestions and assignments to help me out and with others shared their personal experiences”, Regina recalls. was a ray of hope in the darkness she was experiencing.
The support and companionship she found among her peers gave her a renewed sense of purpose. She began actively engaging in various activities, including agriculture where the harvests not only provided sustenance but also became a source of income, enabling her to pay school fees and meet other essential needs for her extended family. The therapy became a ray of hope in the darkness she was experiencing as she is no longer plagued by sleepless nights and lack of appetite. Regina regained control over her life and what was once isolation in her home transformed into active participation in community activities, such as attending meetings. She has been elected as the Women’s leader of Maaji III Block C, a position that reflects not only her personal triumph but also her commitment to supporting others. As Regina looks to the future, she believes that her liberation from depression serves as a beacon of hope for others and urged others going through depression to seek help and embrace the transformative power of community-based mental health support.
Story compiled by: Samuel Oyepa and Bashir Siraji
“Harvest of Healing: Kasim Irra’s Journey from Struggle to Harmony”
My name is Kasim Irra, a 54-year-old resident of Ayiri village, where I live with my family of five. I sustain our livelihood as a farmer, finding solace in the fields after each harvest, which not only nourishes us but also contributes to my children’s education and healthcare expenses.
However, life took a challenging turn when I lost my sister, and a disagreement with my brother left a significant rift between us. This strained relationship extended to my neighbours, affecting not only my concentration in farming and other activities but also casting a shadow over my connection with my own family. Prioritization placed me in category 2, limiting my ability to provide for my family, exacerbated by the lack of land for cultivation. Sleep eluded me, and my appetite waned as the burdens mounted.
Hope found its way to me during a community sensitization event. Intrigued, I underwent assessment by a volunteer and was invited to join an interpersonal group therapy session. Eager for change, I embraced the opportunity to share my struggles with newfound friends and seek collective solutions.
In September 2023, as part of the group, I received assignments aimed at reconciling with my brother and overcoming the grief of losing my sister. The session role plays and the diverse experiences shared by group members became powerful motivators. Witnessing others who had faced similar challenges and emerged stronger instilled in me the belief that my own adversities could be overcome.
The impact of the group sessions was transformative. I successfully reconciled with my brother, fostering a harmonious coexistence. This newfound peace extended to my relationship with neighbours, allowing me to concentrate on work and enjoy a happier family life. Motivated to provide for my family, I now farm on hired land, cultivating vegetables and other crops for both consumption and sale. Engaging in casual work supplements my income, enabling me to support my family more effectively.
This has really been a tremendous positive change in my life, and my wishes continue to align to any assistance towards integrated coexistence with the host community to enhance land acquisition, Kasim vividly recalls.
Story compiled by: Samuel Oyepa and Bashir Siraji
“Harvesting Resilience: Nataline’s Story of Overcoming Financial Struggles”
Nataline Kasara, a resilient 43-year-old farmer from Ayiri Village, shares her inspiring journey of triumph over adversity, highlighting the transformative impact of interpersonal group therapy on her life.
In 2021, Nataline faced a series of challenging events, including a poisoning incident and the heartbreaking loss of her father. The financial burden of funeral expenses, coupled with the death of her brother-in-law last year, drained Nataline’s resources. As a result, a portion of her cherished farming land was taken away due to an inability to pay the rent, causing her immense distress and sleepless nights. With one child in senior one and another in senior four, the pressure to meet their school fees added to Nataline’s emotional and financial strain.
Her story started changing when a compassionate community volunteer visited her twice shedding light on the concept of depression, its root causes, signs, symptoms, and available treatments. Recognizing Nataline’s struggles, the volunteer invited her to participate in an interpersonal group therapy session and she joined with the goal of seeking advice on overcoming financial losses and finding a path forward.
Over the course of 8 weeks in the therapy group, Nataline experienced a profound transformation. The supportive environment allowed her to open up about her personal challenges, and in return, she received invaluable insights and shared experiences from fellow group members who had overcome similar obstacles. Assignments and feedback sessions within the group facilitated a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
As a result of this therapeutic journey, Nataline not only regained her concentration and interest in farming but also managed to release the grip of her past financial losses. The newfound peace of mind allowed her to sleep well and rekindle her passion for agriculture. Taking proactive steps, Nataline engaged in casual work to cover school fees and provide for her family’s reduced food supply. Looking ahead, she has ambitious plans to hire more land for cultivation in the coming year, aiming to generate income for meeting the family’s basic needs.
She encourages others facing similar challenges to reach out and share their burdens with someone they trust. Nataline emphasizes the importance of connecting with community volunteers and joining therapeutic groups, affirming that the healing power of sharing one’s struggles can lead to newfound strength and resilience.
Story compiled by: Samuel Oyepa and Bashir Siraji
“Blooming Beyond Pain: Agnes’s Courageous Path to a Brighter Future”
Agnes, a resilient 29-year-old mother of five children in Maaji II Block 1 in the Adjumani refugee settlement, faced immense challenges as an HIV/AIDS positive individual initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2019. Her life took a devastating turn as she experienced physiological torture and mistreatment from her husband, leading to a loss of hope. The situation worsened with her husband’s infidelity, abandonment, and the burden of sole family responsibilities, causing Agnes to forego her ART medication for two months and endure the weight of societal stigma.
In her darkest moments, a glimmer of hope emerged when a linkage and referral assistant from Ayiri health facility visited Agnes, assessing her situation and extending an invitation to join an IPT-G session group. Agnes accepted the opportunity to connect with others facing similar struggles.
During the therapeutic sessions, Agnes found solace and guidance. The group encouraged her to resume taking her ART medication, emphasizing the vital importance for her own well-being and the future of her children. The realization that neglecting her health could lead to dire consequences for her family motivated Agnes to faithfully adhere to her treatment.
Moreover, the group provided counsel on forgiveness and rebuilding, urging Agnes to forgive her husband and take proactive steps to support her family independently. Empowered by the collective wisdom and shared experiences within the group, Agnes embraced a newfound strength.
As a result of her participation in the IPT-G (Interpersonal Group Therapy), Agnes not only reclaimed her health but also shed the shackles of societal stigma. Presently, she wakes up each morning with renewed purpose, tends to her garden, and has liberated herself from the emotional burden of her husband’s actions. Never again has she missed a dose of her ART medication.
Her commitment to encouraging others battling depression reflects a profound ripple effect, inspiring hope and healing within her community. Agnes’s story serves as a beacon of light for those navigating similar challenges, illustrating that with compassion and collective strength, one can overcome even the darkest of circumstances.
Story compiled by: Samuel Oyepa and Marutia Sarah
“Empowered by IPT-G: Beatrice’s Victory Over Depression and HIV Challenges”
Beatrice’s journey is a testament to the transformative impact of IPT-G (Integrated Psychological Therapy-Group) on individuals facing complex challenges. At 34, residing in Oranyi village, Dzaipi Sub County, Beatrice found herself navigating the harsh realities of being an HIV/AIDS positive mother with a two-year-old baby on ART. The abandonment by her husband exacerbated her struggles, leading to a loss of interest in activities she once found pleasurable and a cascade of negative thoughts affecting her and her baby’s adherence to ART.
In June 2023, a Linkage and Referral Assistant from Dzaipi Health Centre recognized the need for intervention and visited Beatrice at her home. Utilizing the PHQ-4 and PHQ-9 forms, the Assistant assessed Beatrice for depression, and the subsequent invitation to IPT-G sessions marked a pivotal moment in her life.
During the group sessions, Beatrice received invaluable advice. The group encouraged her to initiate communication with her estranged husband, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a connection for the sake of their children. Additionally, they recommended engaging in income-generating activities to secure the well-being of her family.
Taking these suggestions to heart, Beatrice embarked on an income-generating venture, selling vegetables. This not only provided her with a sustainable income but also became a catalyst for positive change in her life. Reflecting on her journey, Beatrice expressed, “Before I joined the group, I struggled with regular medication intake as advised by the doctor. Now, both the baby and I diligently take our ART daily. My viral load has significantly dropped from 488 copies to 50 copies, and the baby has significantly suppressed from 6880 copies to 608 copies. Remarkably, this positive transformation has influenced my husband to also commit to taking the prescribed medication.”
The impact of IPT-G extended beyond individual well-being to fostering a sense of community and empowerment. Following the therapy’s conclusion in September, Beatrice and 30 other active members initiated weekly savings. Beatrice acknowledged that the group played a crucial role in saving their lives, and she is now committed to encouraging others facing depression not to isolate themselves. She firmly believes in the therapeutic power of group support, emphasizing that being part of a group can be instrumental in treating depression. Beatrice’s success story underscores the profound impact of IPT-G, not only on mental health but on the holistic well-being of individuals and their communities.
Story compiled by: Samuel Oyepa and Marutia Sarah
“Grace Under Fire: A Tale of Resilience and Renewal Through Group Therapy”
Grace, a 36-year-old mother of six residing in Maaji II settlement, faced overwhelming challenges when her relationship with her husband deteriorated, leading to insults against her first-born daughter and his subsequent marriage to a second wife. As she grappled with the responsibility of providing for her family alone, the discovery of the second wife HIV/AIDS-positive status during antenatal visit heightened her despair, causing her to contemplate leaving her home. Health issues, including the development of ulcers, forced her to abandon her business of brewing alcohol.
In a pivotal turn of events, a compassionate volunteer reached out to Grace, opening the door to group therapy sessions. Reflecting on her experience, Grace shared, “During sessions, I realized that I was not alone in facing challenges with my husband. The advice and support from fellow group members helped me let go of my troubles, enabling me to connect with others in a way I couldn’t before joining the group. I even managed to pay for my daughter’s education, as she sat for her Primary Seven exams this year.”
Empowered by the therapy, Grace initiated a small food items business and engaged her children in agricultural activities. Learning the importance of sharing problems, a skill she had not previously utilized, continued to benefit her beyond the therapy sessions.
The impact extended to Grace’s once-lonely children, who now interact freely with others, and the family’s access to food has improved. Grace, paying the support forward, assisted a neighbour who was going through depression after losing group savings and today, the neighbour is on the path to recovery.
Expressing her commitment to using the skills gained, Grace pledged to support her children’s education. She urged those facing difficulties not to endure their struggles alone, advising them to seek advice from neighbours or friends. Additionally, she recommended contacting volunteers or exploring teletherapy for counseling, emphasizing the transformative potential of interpersonal group therapy in fostering resilience and community support.
Story compiled by Michael Angela and Kareo Scola.
“Seeds of Strength: Immaculate’s Flourishing Journey with Interpersonal Group Therapy”
Immaculate, a 38-year-old farmer and resident of Maaji 3 settlement, generously shares the transformative impact of her journey with interpersonal group therapy. As a widow responsible for caring for her five children and two grandchildren, the loss of her husband cast a shadow over her life, causing sleepless nights and isolating her from the world. The resulting lack of focus affected her agricultural pursuits, diminishing both hope and interest, making it challenging to provide for her family and pay school fees.
Her path to healing began when Immaculate attended a community dialogue in Maaji III settlement, where she gained insights into depression. She then approached a volunteer who assessed her situation, and extended an invitation to join group sessions. Immaculate, with the intention of sharing her financial and social challenges and finding solutions, embraced the opportunity.
In the supportive environment of the group sessions, Immaculate discovered untapped potential within herself. She leveraged the group’s resources, borrowing when needed and repaying later. In July, after the completion of cycle 1, she co-founded a farmer group comprising of both refugees and host community members, extending support to those who were not part of the therapy. Currently she serves as the chairperson. She sells the harvest and allocates a portion for sustenance.
Immaculate’s impact reaches beyond the fields; she has become a pillar of support for those around her, particularly those experiencing grief. Guiding a woman through marital conflicts, she played a crucial role in resolving disputes. When categorization came, and Immaculate found herself in category 2, she actively encouraged her colleagues affected by the activity to navigate the challenges with resilience and determination.
Immaculate’s journey shows the power of interpersonal group therapy in unlocking personal potential, fostering community connections, and creating positive change. Through her leadership and support, she continues to sow seeds of resilience and compassion in the hearts of those she touches.
Story compiled by Michael Angela and Kareo Scola.
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