MIND SPACE

Depression is a serious mental health issue that affects millions of people around the world regardless of gender. However men often face unique challenges when it comes to dealing with depression. Society often expects men to be strong and unemotional which can make it difficult for them to seek help when they are struggling with their mental health. This stigma can lead to feelings of shame and isolation, preventing men from getting the help and support they need. Growing up, I never saw my father cry over anything. I knew that men were not supposed to show any emotions. Even when I would see a little boy crying, he would be told not to cry because men don't cry. In African culture, men are seen as brave, noble, emotionally intelligent and strong. He must not be irrational or emotional in face of challenges or overwhelming events. He is expected to keep a straight face and show strength. God forbid, he should show any emotions then, he will be labelled 'weak,' called a wo...

The birth of a child can stir up different emotions from excitement, joy, anxiety and fear. It is a time that brings a big change in a woman’s life. I gave birth to my daughter during the 2020 Covid 19 lock down. It was a confusing time with so much uncertainty. I was excited, nervous and anxious about meeting my new born baby. After giving birth, I started hating how my body looked, it brought down my self-esteem. I also hated not being independent. I would look in the mirror and couldn’t recognize who I was anymore. I didn’t feel like my body was mine. My husband would always tell me how beautiful I was but I didn’t see it. I would get mood swings, anxiety and crying spells. Leave alone the sleepless nights dealing with a new born baby but I had myself to deal with too.    There are so many women who suffer from postpartum depression but you won’t hear about it because it’s something that is not talked about. Everyone expects a mother to be a super hero, ready to endure anyt...

Recently, I read about the tragic story of DJ Lithium, a popular DJ on Capital FM in Kenya who committed suicide at his work place. It is heart breaking to read about a young man who had so much ahead of him take his own life. The sad part is that, this is one of many. We have a silent monster amongst us, it is like a vampire, it sucks out everything from within. It turns laughter into hidden tears, it turns hope into hopelessness, it turns worth into worthlessness, it turns sleep into sleepless nights, and it turns love into hate. This monster is moving in our society and stealing young lives. This monster is called Depression. It comes in different forms, it can be major, bipolar, postpartum, persistent, premenstrual, psychotic and seasonal. It is like a snake slithering through the grass, waiting to pounce on its victim without warning or mercy. People experience depression in different ways, it can interfere with your daily work, it can influence relationships and for some, it migh...