This archive report was first published on 19 June 2020.
At 22, Faith Wambui has been living with chronic depression for a year, but the roots of her condition date back 16 years to a traumatic event in her childhood.
Her family had just moved to a new neighborhood in Murang'a, where her mother was a teacher. Faith was excited to live in the staff quarters, but little did she know that this experience would have a lasting impact on her mental health.
One day, while playing in a classroom with her friends and sisters, a young man approached them, asking for directions to the school's administration block. He offered them Sh 30, which was payment for anyone who directed him, and this enticed Faith to take him to the administration block.
However, things took a dark turn when the young man held Faith's hand and led her to a classroom, where he attempted to harm her. Faith's sisters and friends watched from the window, giggling in shame. The young man eventually ran out of the classroom, leaving Faith traumatized.
Her mother took her to the hospital, but she was not given any medication. Faith's mindset shifted from believing that adults were meant to protect her to a different reality. This traumatic event had a lasting impact on her mental health, leading to chronic depression.
As she grew older, Faith struggled with relationships, always expecting to be hurt and sabotaging them when she met good guys. She has contemplated suicide three times, including when she was in Class Three, when she took rat poison, and in her second year in university.
It was only when her school intervened and took her to the hospital that she was diagnosed with chronic depression. Since then, Faith has been open about her condition and is planning to set up a crisis center in her school once everything returns to normal.
Arnelle Amondi, a psychologist, believes that Faith's case could be a result of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 'It is a mental health condition that is triggered by very terrifying events to someone who either experiences it first-hand or is a witness,' she says.
Since her diagnosis, Faith's life has improved, and she is now advocating for others who may be struggling with similar conditions. 'You are never alone, and the first step to healing is seeking help,' she says.
By nation.co.ke
