This Is Us: Victoria's Story

Victoria Aquilina shares her journey from hidden trauma, abuse, and mental illness to discovering real hope, healing, and identity in Jesus. After years of masking pain and battling diagnoses, she found freedom not in perfection, but in grace, truth, and choosing hope every day. This is a powerful story of survival, faith, and transformation.  

Discussion Questions:  

1. Have you ever felt like you had to wear a mask to hide what you were really going through? What did that look like?
2. How can trauma (physical, emotional, or spiritual) affect both the mind and body over time?
3. What are some misconceptions people have about mental health and faith?
4. Victoria talked about being taught fear instead of grace. How does that shape someone’s view of God? Has fear been part of your own spiritual journey?
5. What does “choosing hope” look like in everyday life, especially when nothing feels like it’s changing?
6. How can we better support people who are struggling with mental health challenges as individuals and also as the church?
7. What are “glimmers” in your life - small moments that bring light during dark seasons