Breaking the silences, rebuilding lives: the journey of Devika Wood

In a world where emotional and psychological challenges are increasingly visible, statistics paint a worrying picture: by 2024, nearly one in five people will suffer from mental health disorders, ranging from anxiety to severe depression. These figures reveal not only the scale of this global crisis but also the urgent need to break down the persistent stigma that prevents many individuals from seeking help. When these disorders are rooted in deep trauma, such as physical or emotional abuse, they often leave invisible but tenacious scars, requiring tailored support to begin the healing process.

In this context, creating safe and inclusive spaces where everyone can feel heard, supported, and accompanied becomes a priority. It is precisely this vision that inspired the creation of I AM ARLA *, a platform that is much more than just a space dedicated to mental health and resilience. Founded by Devika Wood, entrepreneur and activist, I AM ARLA is rooted in a poignant personal story: a survivor of an abusive relationship, Devika chose to transform her wounds into a driving force to help others. Through her journey, marked by emotional and physical abuse, she found the courage to build a space where women can find resources to break the cycle of trauma and reclaim control of their lives.

I AM ARLA goes beyond simply providing tools and programs to meet the needs of survivors. The platform is also part of a systemic transformation mission: raising public awareness, amplifying stories of resilience, and advocating for social reforms. It aspires to a world where survivors are no longer silenced, but celebrated for their courage and determination.

Devika Wood, who began her career at Google, embodies this vision with passion and expertise. She has received prestigious accolades, including a place on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list and recognition as one of Glamour magazine's "women who are changing the world." These achievements reinforce her mission to give a voice to those who feel isolated, while also offering concrete solutions to improve mental health services.

In this interview, we explore her inspiring journey, her commitment to breaking the cycle of trauma, and her vision of a future where past wounds become a strength to build a bright future.

1. What was the defining moment or experience that solidified your decision to create I AM ARLA?

In my early twenties, I was in a violent and abusive relationship. A relationship that scarred me far more deeply than I can express. This period unfortunately led to my failing my first year of university, as I spent most of the year absent, trying to rebuild my life after the incidents. The relationship was so controlling that this man prevented me from seeing my grandfather just before he died and my grandmother when she was seriously ill. The level of violence was terrifying, to the point that he attempted to kill me one night. This led to his arrest. What was frightening was that he didn't fit the stereotype of an abuser you see on posters or charity websites. I found it hard to believe that someone like him could be abusive. What's even sadder is that I received very little help when I consulted my general practitioner. I felt alone and scared, unable to break free from the vicious cycle that led me into other abusive relationships, until I met my husband at 29. Today, we've been married for 6 years, and there is light at the end of the tunnel.

At 26, when I launched my first company, Vida—a digital health platform offering personalized programs that combine technology and human care to treat chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, and depression, while emphasizing physical and mental well-being—I had the opportunity to write a letter to my younger self for The Guardian . I decided to talk about the abuse I experienced and to use my platform for positive purposes. That moment changed my life. Many women read my story and reached out to me to share their own. Since then, I've never stopped telling my story, so that other women don't feel alone and can seek the help they need.

2. As a survivor, you have openly shared the impact of trauma on your life. How has sharing your story publicly transformed your healing process, and what effect do you hope to have on those going through similar experiences?

If I had to pinpoint the defining moment that motivates me to keep going, it would undoubtedly be when I realized that sharing my story was the most powerful act of my life. It freed me from an immense weight of shame that had been crushing me. I finally felt that the abuse I had suffered did not define who I was. For years, I felt weak and insignificant. But the day I told my story, I held my head high. My whole body felt lighter, filled with a pride I had never known before. It's a feeling I can't describe in words, but it instilled in me incredible strength.

By sharing my story, I gave a voice to other women who had experienced gender-based abuse or trauma. They were able to recognize themselves in my experience and, above all, find a space where their own suffering wasn't a source of shame. I encouraged them to transform this pain into a form of resilience, into a true superpower. That's the power of telling your story: to sow hope, break the silence, and allow so many others to no longer suffer alone.

3. As you've already mentioned, in times of great distress, the system has often failed you. In your opinion, what systemic changes would be needed in mental health services to better support women and trauma survivors?

It's essential to approach mental health holistically, as every journey is unique. Services must therefore adapt to this diversity. It's a very sensitive area, and sometimes, simply knowing you're not alone can be a huge comfort. In my experience, although I was offered therapy sessions, antidepressants, and sleeping pills, nothing worked. What truly helped me was immersing myself in sports, which allowed me to regain control of my body and rebuild my strength. Of course, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution, but I had to explore different options to understand what worked for me.

In cases like mine, involving domestic violence, the system needs to be much more responsive and structured. I was 21 when my abuser was arrested. Less than 24 hours after the incident, I was asked if I wanted to press charges. I was in such a state, both emotionally and physically, that I wasn't capable of making that decision. Better follow-up, support services, and guidance on my rights would have been essential.

4. Based on your experience as the founder of Vida, what lessons did you learn for the creation of I AM ARLA?

One of the key lessons is ensuring a good product-market fit. We're working on this by developing a strong community of users who truly benefit from our services, through online and in-person events. It's also crucial to create a viable business model that generates revenue to guarantee the project's sustainability. At I AM ARLA, we're taking the necessary time because the subject is extremely sensitive. We want to make sure we're building exactly what women need.

5. Launching a trauma-focused platform can be emotionally demanding. How do you manage your own mental well-being while running I AM ARLA and supporting others?

I'm fortunate to have an incredible co-founder, Lydia, who is a somatic psychotherapist specializing in trauma. She plays a vital role in creating a supportive space for everyone. Sometimes it's necessary to pause, as reading testimonials or sharing my own story can be intense. This kind of experience never completely leaves your body, but with time, you learn to give it space. Being surrounded by people who understand this reality is crucial.

6. Finally, you recently began a new chapter in your life by becoming a mother, and you seem to have found a sense of peace and happiness. What advice would you give to women who find themselves caught in cycles of trauma, to help them achieve healing and fulfillment?

Breaking the cycle is one of the hardest things, and it can be easy to feel stuck. But if you find that inner strength, that little spark to take that first step toward a fresh start, your life will change. Once you've taken that first step, the following ones become easier. My main advice would be to find someone you trust, a safe space where you can talk freely about what you're going through, without judgment.

Slowly regaining your voice is essential. I promise you that the world beyond abuse is beautiful, and I can't wait for you to discover it.

Links:

I Am Arla: https://www.iamarla.com/