My name is Amina, and I live in Kinshasa, Congo. I never thought I would share my story with anyone, but I feel it is important because there are people out there suffering in silence, just like my husband and I once did. For several months, my husband, Joseph, began experiencing something that no doctor could explain. Every night, he would wake up screaming, sometimes thrashing around as if he was fighting invisible forces. The attacks would leave him exhausted, scared, and sometimes even injured.

At first, we thought it was a medical problem. We went to several hospitals and clinics in Kinshasa. They ran tests, gave him medicines, and even suggested therapy, but nothing seemed to work. The attacks only grew worse. I remember one night when I could no longer stand to hear him screaming, and I left our home out of fear for my safety. Sleeping in a neighbor’s house was the hardest decision I ever made, but I felt completely helpless. Read more.