Resource Person
The session was facilitated by Ms. Roweena Britto, Brain Health Coach, Founder of WHATBOUTME (Dubai), and proud alumna of St. Agnes College. With striking honesty, courage, and vulnerability, she shared her personal journey—transforming her struggles into a profound message of hope, healing, and empowerment.
Session Highlights
Ms. Roweena candidly reflected on her: Challenging family background – growing up with an alcoholic father and minimal emotional support. Mental health journey – struggles with bipolar disorder, her 2013 diagnosis, and years of psychiatric treatment, followed by recovery and discontinuation of medication in 2021. Path to healing – embracing forgiveness, especially toward parents, as a cornerstone of recovery. Support system – siblings (including two sisters and a brother with Down Syndrome), friends, and her brother-in-law, who were present during the seminar, adding emotional depth to the session. Career transformation – transitioning from corporate life to mental health advocacy, supported by certifications in Project Management, NLP, Brain Coaching, and ongoing postgraduate studies in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health at King’s College, London.
Her talk underscored psychological principles such as resilience, neuroplasticity, identity rebuilding, and the importance of support networks in recovery.
Special Guests and Reflections: The program was graced by Dr. Deviprabha, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, St. Agnes College, who had taught Ms. Roweena during her undergraduate years. Her heartfelt acknowledgment of her student’s transformation resonated deeply with the audience.
Post-session reflections and words of appreciation were shared by: Dr. Kavyashree K.B, Dean of PG Studies, Dr. V. Premanand, Head of the Department & Staff Convenor, Dr. Deviprabha, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce
All commended Ms. Roweena’s courage in sharing her personal journey and praised her efforts to destigmatize mental illness and inspire future professionals.
Conclusion
The seminar stood as a testimony to the strength of the human spirit, the significance of mental health awareness, and the transformative power of forgiveness, family, identity, and self-discovery.
Ms. Roweena Britto’s story left a lasting impression on the audience, encapsulated in her closing message:
“You are what you feel.”
The Department of Psychology extends heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Roweena for her openness, strength, and commitment to mental wellness. Her journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for all aspiring psychologists and mental health advocates.
