This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
At 22, Faith Wambui has been living with chronic depression for a year, but its roots date back to an incident 16 years ago when she was just a child.
Her family had recently moved to a new neighborhood in Murang'a, where her mother was a teacher. Faith recalls being excited about living in the staff quarters, but little did she know that this experience would have a profound impact on her life.
One day, while playing with her friends and sisters in a classroom, a young man approached them and offered to pay them Sh 30 to direct him to the school's administration block. Faith, being the obedient child she was, offered to take him, unaware of the danger that lay ahead.
As they walked to the administration block, the young man held Faith's hand, and she was not scared. In fact, she was confused. Her sisters and friends watched from the window, giggling. But what happened next would change Faith's life forever.
The young man ran out of the classroom, leaving Faith feeling ashamed and confused. This incident marked the beginning of her mental imprisonment. Her mother took her to the hospital, but she was given no medication. Faith's mindset shifted from believing that adults protect children to a different reality.
As she grew older, Faith struggled with relationships, always expecting to be hurt and sabotaging good ones. She even contemplated suicide three times, the first time in Class Three, the second time by taking rat poison, and the third time in her second year of university.
It was only after her school intervened and took her to the hospital that she was diagnosed with chronic depression. Since then, Faith has been on a journey of healing, talking openly about her condition and planning to set up a crisis center in her school.
For those struggling with similar conditions, Faith offers words of encouragement: 'You are never alone, and the first step to healing is seeking help. There are people who can guide you through the journey.'
