The overwhelming need for mental healthcare became increasingly apparent to me. However, in the absence of specialists such as psychiatrists, it was often frustrating to be unable to implement evidence-based interventions developed in high-income countries. Moreover, while we relied on diagnostic classifications and medical models primarily developed in the West to address local suffering, I began questioning whether this approach was sufficient. Against this backdrop, I was fortunate to receive scholarships from the World Bank and the Rotary Foundation, which enabled me to embark on my PhD research.
My doctoral research, titled "Trauma, trauma-related sequelae, and post-traumatic stress disorder in adults living with HIV in Zimbabwe", explores trauma-related disorders and intervention experiences in Zimbabwe, focusing on people living with HIV. Alongside conventional medical models and quantitative analyses of conditions like PTSD and depression, I incorporated interview data to adopt a more mindful approach to understanding trauma-related experiences within the local context. With the invaluable guidance of my supervisors, Professor Melanie Abas and Dr Stephanie Lewis, I was able to make my three years of doctoral research a truly enriching experience. I plan to continue working in this field as a postdoctoral researcher and aspire to conduct research that informs better care for local populations.