What began as a wave of anxiety and a shift in perspective turned out to be the early signs of bipolar disorder for a young engineer and businessman in Nairobi. His first episode occurred in 2017, during a particularly stressful time when he was balancing a demanding job and political ambitions. The experience left him mentally and emotionally drained.
Initially, he and those around him struggled to understand what was happening. Some suspected supernatural causes such as spiritual attacks or witchcraft. It wasn’t until he was taken to a mental health facility by concerned friends alarmed by his erratic behavior and odd online posts that the true nature of his condition became clear. After undergoing psychiatric evaluation, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. His manic episode required immediate treatment, including a stabilizing injection to reduce his hyperactivity.
During his recovery, he became increasingly curious about the illness and sought to understand its root causes. He discovered a likely hereditary link, as his grandmother had suffered a mental illness for many years. He later recognized that her symptoms were consistent with bipolar disorder. After four days of hospitalization and a month of medication, he was able to return to work.
A second episode followed two years later, in 2019. It was less severe, thanks to his improved awareness and preparedness. Even as he recovered, he managed to travel abroad for work. He described early warning signs as heightened anxiety and an overactive brain that perceived patterns, especially numerical ones, creating a temporary sense of control and empowerment. This psychological shift, he later realized, was the brain’s way of coping with overwhelming stress.
He also described the emotional challenges of recovery. Medication felt intrusive and led him to adopt alternate identities in his case, the persona of a suffering Christ, likely influenced by his Christian upbringing. These altered states can be deeply rooted in personal beliefs and are part of the complex ways the mind defends itself under duress.
His second episode was milder in part because he took early action. When symptoms began, he bought antidepressants, although anxiety prevented him from taking them. Still, he was able to resist the pull of mania and was admitted earlier, resulting in a quicker recovery.
Beyond the medical journey, the personal toll was steep. Family rejection and stigma weighed heavily. Many of his choices during recovery were dismissed, including his decision to join the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. This put him at odds with his predominantly Sunday-worshiping family and strained relationships further. The added burden of being unable to support his family financially during this period increased stress on his wife, although they later worked through those challenges together.
Today, he speaks openly to his children about his experience, emphasizing the importance of understanding and acceptance. Through intentional lifestyle changes, continuous learning, and healthy habits, he has managed to avoid further episodes and now dedicates time to raising mental health awareness.
Bipolar disorder is a condition marked by extreme emotional highs and lows. The depressive phase may include sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts, while the manic phase involves excessive energy, reduced sleep, racing thoughts, and impulsive behaviors. The condition is influenced by genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Effective management requires a combination of medication, therapy, and strong personal commitment. While access to treatment has improved in urban areas, gaps remain in rural regions due to a shortage of mental health professionals. Overcoming stigma and ensuring access to care are crucial for those living with mental illness. Through resilience, education, and support, recovery is possible.
