I am a mental health patient from Nairobi, and for many years, I continued to work while quietly struggling with a serious mental health condition. Going to work each day was not just about earning a living—it was about proving to others, and sometimes to myself, that I was still “normal.”
Most mornings, preparing for work felt overwhelming. My mind was often crowded with anxious thoughts, fear of making mistakes, and constant self-doubt. Even simple tasks took more effort than they used to. Still, I showed up on time, dressed neatly, and tried my best to perform as expected.
At work, mental health was never discussed. Productivity mattered more than well-being. When I struggled to concentrate or needed a break, I worried that I would be seen as careless or weak. I learned to hide my symptoms, forcing myself to keep going even on days when my mind felt exhausted.
The pressure to perform made my condition harder to manage. I feared losing my job if anyone found out what I was dealing with. There were moments when I wanted to explain why I was struggling, but I did not trust that my workplace would understand. Silence felt safer than honesty.
Seeking treatment while working came with challenges. Appointments required time off, which I had to explain without revealing too much. Some days, medication or therapy helped me function better. Other days, the weight of expectations made progress difficult.
What made the biggest difference was meeting one supervisor who showed basic understanding. They did not ask for details, but they allowed flexibility and treated me with respect. That small act reminded me that support does not always require full disclosure—sometimes it only requires humanity.
Working while living with serious mental health challenges taught me resilience, but it also showed me the cost of silence. Many people in East Africa are working while unwell, afraid to speak because mental health is still misunderstood. Creating supportive workplaces can help people heal while remaining productive and dignified.
Mental health patients do not lack commitment or ability. What we need is understanding, flexibility, and the recognition that mental health is part of overall health—even in the workplace.
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