My name is Marvin, and I come from Gangu in Kampala, Uganda. For a long time, I did not know that I was developing a mental health condition called bipolar disorder. Looking back now, I realize that the illness had been growing within me before its symptoms became visible to those around me.
My first major episode happened while I was at school. During a lesson, I suddenly left my classroom and entered another class. I picked up a duster, erased everything that had been written on the blackboard, and drew a cow. The students became angry and wanted to confront me, but the teacher stopped them after noticing that I was carrying sticks in my hands. I started hitting tables and doors before eventually walking away.
The school immediately contacted my mother and informed her that I was behaving strangely and aggressively. When she came to pick me up, she initially thought I had a fever. However, after seeking medical attention, we were referred to Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, where I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder during a manic episode.
My mother was shocked when she received the news. She was told that I had developed a mental illness and that my behavior had become unpredictable. It was a very difficult period for both me and my family.
As time went on, my condition worsened. There was a time when I even got lost. I was placed on medication at Butabika Hospital, but managing the illness remained a challenge. The medication often made me feel weak, while periods without it were marked by severe changes in my behavior.
At my worst, I would destroy household property and become increasingly difficult to manage. My family became so concerned about my safety and the safety of others that they sometimes had to lock me inside the house.
When my mother felt that there was little improvement in my life, she decided to take me to the Peace Centre of Holy City Entebbe. There, I was prayed for by the Servant of God Bro. Ronnie Makabai. According to my mother, after that encounter she began to notice significant changes in my behavior. Gradually, I started returning to my normal self and was able to resume my education.
Going back to school was not easy. Some school administrators were reluctant to allow me to sit for my Senior Four examinations because they remembered my previous behavior and feared that I would negatively affect the school’s performance record.
Despite these challenges, I remained determined. By the grace of God, I performed exceptionally well in my examinations, surpassing the expectations of many people who had doubted me, including some of the students I had left studying while I was battling the condition.
When I first became ill, I felt as though something was controlling me. I could not control myself or my thoughts. At the time, I genuinely believed that everything I was doing was right. It was a confusing and frightening experience.
Today, I am grateful to the God of Bro. Ronnie Makabai for what for my healing and restoration. I am also deeply thankful to my family, especially my mother, for standing by me during one of the most difficult periods of my life.
I thank Bro. Ronnie Makabai for praying for us tirelessly and I thank God for giving my mother the patience to take care of me.
My story is a testimony that there is nothing too difficult for the God of Bro. Ronnie Makabai and that He is still in the business of transforming lives. I hope my journey inspires others who are facing difficult situations to hold on to faith, hope, and the support of those who care about them.
