Anna Marie Lopes

Anna is a survivor of and expert on domestic violence. She has emerged not just resilient but dedicated to raising awareness of trauma and its impact on mental health and helping others heal. As a certified mental health first aider and trauma recovery coach, Anna guides individuals towards reclaiming their lives from trauma and mental health battles. She is also the founder of Brave & Free, a vibrant online community that tackles mental health, trauma, and its often-unseen aspects with vulnerability, humour, and radical awareness. Anna isn't afraid to share her own story of escape from abuse and her battle with PTSD, anxiety and depression, empowering others to voice out and seek help. Her dedication extends far and wide. She has worked with the esteemed India-based nonprofit, Maitri India, was felicitated as a "Woman of Substance" by SRL Diagnostics in 2015, and was highly commended as a Mental Health Hero - Overcoming Barriers at the 2023 Mentl Awards in the UAE. Anna has also been featured for her work and story on BBC, Gulf News, The Khaleej Times, Femina Magazine, and more.