This archive report was first published on 5 November 2019.
Published on November 5, 2019, Julie Gichuru, a renowned media personality, shared a heartfelt Instagram post about her turbulent childhood and battle with depression.
At 21 years old, Gichuru was studying for a Law Degree at the University of Wales in 1995 when her parents' divorce left her feeling lost and alone.
'I was in the throes of deep depression. My parents divorced. Dad remarried and Mum emigrated,' she wrote in her post.
With no home to return to and limited financial resources, Gichuru was forced to become her own support system, taking on two jobs to make ends meet while continuing her studies.
'I found two jobs at this point and studied hard. I did not know where I would end up but I knew knowledge would get me there, as long as I had breath in my body, I would get there,' she said.
Her post generated an outpouring of support from Kenyans, with many praising her courage in sharing her story and offering words of encouragement to those struggling with similar challenges.
Depression is a significant health concern in Kenya, with a report by the World Health Organisation ranking Kenyans as the sixth most depressed population in Africa.
