For aeons, I opined that clients often sought therapy when they were facing a crisis such as trauma, school related problems, job loss, marital discord, or problems in their families. My observation stemmed from the fact that people would often wait until the 11th hour, when life felt unbearable, overwhelming, and marked by heightened emotional...
Years on, I can confidently say the impact depression has on people’s lives is profoundly debilitating. Long before working in a psychiatric hospital, I held strong reservations about the role of medication. I assumed that depression was something people could simply be talked out of. Even worse, during my time on campus, I was exposed...
More often than not, tell-tale signs of problematic internet behavior fit right in the palms of our children’s hands; glowing from screens and buzzing with notifications curated with algorithms to deliver a continuous dose of digital dopamine. From toddlers glued to tablets to preteens gaming for hours and teens scrolling endlessly for likes and validation,...
In 2003, during my shadowing experience under psychiatrists and other allied professionals in a psychiatric hospital in Nairobi, I witnessed firsthand the hidden struggles of teenagers battling “panic attacks” and “episodes”, which are commonly used by teenagers to describe severe stress that manifests through physical symptoms. Some of the teens referred for assessment were so...
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is defined as a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), a need for constant admiration, and a lack of empathy. Research shows that narcissism exists on a spectrum, meaning not everyone with narcissistic traits has the...
The festive season is often a time of joy and celebration, but it can also bring heightened risks of alcohol misuse, relapse, and the possibility of dependency. By being mindful of consumption, recognizing triggers, and applying coping skills, we can navigate these challenges without compromising our well-being. Alcohol is one of the most widely misused...
Music has a unique ability to touch hearts and souls in ways we often cannot articulate. It soothes, uplifts our spirits, makes us laugh, and serves as a force that connects us. A catalyst for recalling past and present joyful and somber moments. Throughout history, music has mirrored culture, values, and beliefs. Our ancestors used...
In the Bible, Jesus profoundly addresses forgiveness in Matthew 18:21-22. When Peter asks how many times one should forgive, Jesus responds, “Not seven times, but seventy times seven.” This symbolic expression of 490 isn’t a literal tally but a call for boundless forgiveness, a mindset that encourages us to go far beyond keeping score and...
Bipolar Mood Disorder (BMD) is a chronic condition that has profoundly impacted many lives. It’s reported that the former Prime minister of the United Kingdom, Winston Churchill, an exemplary writer and orator, was thought to have struggled with symptoms of BMD. He had both severe depressive episodes, which he called his “black dog,” and periods...
This piece presents a vivid and alarming portrayal of the opioid crisis in the U.S., drawing a parallel to potential issues that could arise in Kenya. During my recent visit to the US, I was struck by the dark side of cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, where drug use and homelessness are rampant....
