I am a mental health patient from Nairobi, Kenya, and living with a serious mental health condition has changed how I relate to the people around me. There are times when I must rely on others in ways I never imagined.
Before my illness became noticeable, I was independent. I made decisions quickly, handled responsibilities, and planned my days without difficulty. As my condition progressed, simple tasks began to feel overwhelming. I struggled with concentration, motivation, and emotional balance. Accepting help became unavoidable.
Relying on family members and close friends was difficult at first. I feared losing respect or being treated differently. In my community, independence is valued, and needing support is often seen as a weakness. Because of this, I tried to manage alone for longer than I should have.
When I finally accepted support, I learned that dependence does not mean loss of dignity. It means recognizing limits and allowing care. Still, it is not easy. Some days I want to prove that I can function without assistance. Other days, I am grateful that someone notices when I am not okay.
Access to mental health care remains a challenge. Support systems are limited, and recovery depends heavily on the understanding of those close to me. When caregivers are patient and informed, it becomes easier to manage symptoms and maintain stability.
Living with serious mental health challenges has taught me that healing is not an individual effort. It requires shared responsibility, empathy, and consistency. Many mental health patients in East Africa live in quiet dependence, afraid to admit they need help.
My experience shows that accepting support is not failure. It is part of surviving and slowly rebuilding life with a serious mental health condition.
By: Austine Juma
Kenya
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