Why Mental Health Matters: A Personal Journey and SAMA’s Mission
Mental health is a topic that many of us shy away from, yet it affects every aspect of our lives. It shapes how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. For survivors of trauma, including sexual assault and domestic violence, mental health becomes not just important but essential for healing.
I know this firsthand.
In 2016, I reached a breaking point. After years of struggling in silence, I attempted suicide. That moment was a dark turning point in my life, but it also opened my eyes to the critical need for mental health awareness and support. I realized how isolated many people feel when grappling with their mental well-being. For too long, I felt unseen and unheard, and I never want anyone else to feel that way.
That’s why I created SAMA—Survivors Advocating for Mental Health Awareness. Our mission is rooted in my experience and the experiences of so many others who have faced trauma. Mental health support isn’t just a “nice-to-have” thing. For survivors, it’s a lifeline. At SAMA, we aim to provide that lifeline in a few key ways:
1. Advocating for Policy Change: Survivors need better access to mental health resources. We work to push for reforms that address these gaps, advocating for the kinds of support that can make all the difference in a survivor’s journey toward healing.
2. Providing Community and Support: Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Through our workshops and community outreach, we create spaces for survivors to connect, share, and support one another.
3. Hygiene Kits and Resources: Sometimes, the smallest act of care can have the greatest impact. By providing hygiene kits and a comprehensive resource guide, we make sure that survivors feel cared for in practical ways, which is a crucial part of restoring dignity and mental well-being.
4. Sharing Stories Like Alaina’s: Another vital aspect of healing is giving survivors a space to share their stories, just like Alaina did. Alaina’s story of trauma and her healing journey highlights the power of community and support. It reminds us that speaking up, even anonymously, can inspire and empower others. These stories shine a light on the strength and resilience of survivors while also showing others they are not alone.
To read Alaina's story, please click on her photo.
5. Remembering Evelyn: I often think about my friend Evelyn. She was someone who carried her struggles silently, and I wish more than anything that she had access to a resource like SAMA. If we had known what she was going through—if she had felt the comfort and community that SAMA provides—I believe she might still be here today. Evelyn’s story drives me to make sure that no one else feels as alone as she did. Mental health support could have made a world of difference for her, and it’s my mission to ensure that it does for others.
Pictured left to right: Nadia and Evelyn in middle school during choir practice.
Mental health should be a top priority, and not just for those who’ve experienced trauma. It’s something everyone must be mindful of. But for survivors like me, addressing mental health is often the key to regaining control over our lives. I’ve seen the difference it makes, not only in my own healing but also in the lives of others who feel empowered when their mental health needs are recognized and validated.
Through SAMA, I hope to create a platform that amplifies the voices of survivors, advocates for meaningful change, and provides tangible support to those in need. Together, we can break the silence around mental health and trauma, ensuring that no one has to face these struggles alone.
