My Story
Behind the Words
Growing up, I was always able to express myself most through my writing. If anything, it provided a lifeline for me during a time when I was unknowingly going through the prodrome of bipolar II disorder. I would even go as far as to say that writing saved my life.
​
In August 2020 I finally received the diagnosis I had desperately been searching for since 2011 and it wasn't until I destigmatised suicide for myself that my life changed for the better.
​
Over the last two decades, I've accumulated plenty of information as a patient and mental health advocate. Knowledge that I share through my psychoeducation blog here. I also support patients living with mental illness and their loved ones because I believe informed patients have better health outcomes.
Thus, my goal with this site is to build the mental illness resource centre and the community I wish I had as a teen when I couldn't quite make sense of my symptoms. I hope that by interacting with my content you feel validated and a little less lonely in your pursuit to live with mental illness. Because it's possible, now I know that.
I always strive to learn approaching every challenge I come across as an experience to grow and develop as a professional. To find out more or to discuss a potential project, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Statistics
Take a look at the statistics on mental illness in Kenya highlighted in my latest study
40%
Prevalence of Depression
Over 40% of university students exhibit depressive symptoms (Othieno et al., 2014)
43%
Health-Seeking Behaviour
43% of paramedical university students feel a need to seek help for their symptoms (Ndetei, 1987)
90%
Mental Health Communication in USIU-Africa
90% of students in USIU-Africa would be willing to speak up about their mental health struggles (Ndung'u, 2021)
Micere Githae Mugo
"Writing can be a lifeline, especially when your existence has been denied, especially when you have been left on the margins, especially when your life and process of growth have been subjected to attempts at strangulation."
What's Your Story?
I'd love to know your direct or indirect experiences with mental illness