A groundbreaking new study has established a powerful link between robust community support systems and significantly improved recovery from psychological trauma. The research, led by a clinical mental health expert, delivers a crucial warning: healing from deep emotional wounds works far better when treated as a shared social duty, not just a personal battle.
Empowered Healing: A Community-Centric Approach
The findings are detailed in a research paper titled “Empowered Healing: Unpacking Trauma from Within.” The author is Kaliyat Gamba, a noted clinical mental health professional and humanitarian advocate. In her work, Gamba investigated the long-term psychological effects of trauma that remains unprocessed. She makes a compelling case that methods rooted in local culture and driven by the community are not just beneficial but essential for achieving lasting mental wellness.
Gamba's research is built on the principles of trauma-informed care and community psychology. It clearly outlines how a combination of early intervention, accessible mental health education, and resilient community structures can effectively break destructive cycles of psychological harm that often persist for generations.
From Theory to Action: The HHHF Model
Moving beyond academic study, Kaliyat Gamba has actively applied these insights through practical work. She is a co-founder of the Healing Hearts Humanitarian Foundation (HHHF), a nonprofit dedicated to aiding young people, vulnerable families, and underserved groups.
A prime example of this applied approach was seen during the 2025 World Mental Health Day outreach held in Abuja. On that occasion, the foundation's programs made a direct impact on more than 150 young people and hundreds of other community members. The activities included trauma-awareness training, emotional first-aid workshops, general mental health education, and sessions focused on building personal resilience.
Commitment Amidst Challenges
Discussing the mission of her organisation, Gamba emphasised that humanitarian groups like HHHF are determined to keep awareness and frontline response as top priorities, even when facing severe resource limitations. She explained that such organisations stand firm in their commitment to serve communities, especially as mental health crises grow and access to professional care remains persistently scarce across Nigeria.
Under Gamba's leadership, HHHF has consistently expanded its reach. The foundation now brings vital mental health education directly to the people in spaces they frequent daily, including schools, bustling marketplaces, religious centres, and youth organisation hubs. According to its leadership, the core mission is to empower individuals to understand their pain, confront it head-on, and ultimately move toward healthier, more hopeful futures.
