My name is Joan and this is my story.
To all my friends who know me, I am the life of the party, the most positive person there is and I always have such a bright smile on my face. As a female, I have worked so hard and accomplished so much and I am a company owner with several employees under my wing.
I also loved cricket and always went out to watch the games during my free time. To the outside world, I was doing so well but deep down, I was struggling. I felt so lost and hopeless, despite of all the things money could buy me, I felt empty. I wanted my life to end, everywhere I turned, I was looking for ways to die and leave this cold painful world.
I even stayed away from the things I once enjoyed including cricket. One time as I drove home from work, I saw a huge truck ahead of me, I accelerated and kept trying to get in its way, with tears streaming down my face, I was ready for the end. Luckily another driver honked at me and I snapped out of the trance I was in.
When I got home, I had a broken spirit and low moods but turned on the television to scroll through, I landed on a talk show that Mental Health Uganda(MHU) had put up in regards to ‘Champions’ sharing their stories. I took a picture of the phone numbers and decided to call. The lady who picked up was so friendly and warm, she even called back to ask if I wanted to be picked up to come to the office. She told me she was calling to remind me that she was waiting for me at the MHU office. That gave me hope, when I came to the office for the first visit, the environment was so warm and welcoming, I immediately felt safe, loved and wanted. That was enough for me, I talked to the counsellor and shared my story. I later spoke to a psychiatric nurse who prescribed some medication. They spoke to me and my spirits were lifted. I got a new resolve to life. Today I am a victor. I overcame all the negativity that I had in my life and al the terrible thoughts of suicide that I had and am now ready to start life a fresh. I want to tell anyone out there, there is hope. You can come out of that deep dark place. Do not be ashamed to call for help. There is always someone willing to listen. I am so grateful to MHU because they gave a listening ear and helping hand and gave me a second chance at life. Don’t hesitate to reach out when you need help.