Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai has once again shown her couragenot on a global stage, but in speaking openly about her mental health struggles. In a recent interview with The Guardian, Malala revealed that a marijuana session with friends at the University of Oxford unexpectedly triggered flashbacks of the horrific Taliban attack she survived 13 years ago.
The 28-year-old Pakistani activist, who became a global symbol for girls’ education after being shot in the head by a Taliban gunman in 2012, said the suppressed memories of that night resurfaced when she shared a bong, or water pipe, with friends. Malala recalled that she suddenly felt as if she was reliving the shooting an overwhelming experience that left her shaken.
“I had never felt so close to the attack as then,” Malala said, describing how her brain had seemingly erased the memory until that moment. The trauma caused anxiety and panic attacks, deeply affecting her studies at Oxford. Seeking therapy helped her manage these episodes and rebuild her sense of stability.
Reflecting on her journey, Malala admitted that the experience reshaped her understanding of bravery. “I survived an attack, and I thought nothing could scare me again,” she said.
Today, Malala continues to champion girls’ education and empowerment through her charity, the Malala Fund. Yet she remains candid about facing public criticism, including reactions to her honesty about marijuana use. “I’m prepared for any negative comments,” she said. “If people are confused, they can read my book and decide for themselves.”
In her new memoir, Finding My Way, Malala explores her life as an adult from her marriage to Pakistani cricket manager Asser Malik to launching their new venture, Recess, a business dedicated to increasing participation in women’s sports.
Despite criticism from some in Pakistan, Malala maintains a deep emotional connection to her homeland. “Pakistan is a part of me,” she said. “When people question that, I get defensive. Pakistan doesn’t hate me.”
With Finding My Way, Malala offers an unflinching look at trauma, recovery, and self-acceptance. Her story is not just about surviving violence but also about embracing vulnerability. Once again, Malala reminds the world that courage is not the absence of fear, but the strength to face it and heal.