Leaning on Friends Helped me Out of Depression
My life is a perfect example of the phrase ‘every journey begins with a single step’. I was born into a moderate-income family in Kisumu in 1982. I never lacked much as my parents were civil servants. After graduating as a teacher, I started my career at St. Patricks Ukwala Girls Primary School in Siaya in 2003. I taught at the school for two years before moving to Kanyandet Primary School for a year. I then relocated to Kisumu where I settled down and started a family. The road towards depression began in 2016 after I took out a loan to build a house in my rural home, pay the bride price and enroll in further studies. At the time, I was teaching at Migosi Primary School in Kisumu.
After completing my studies, the loan repayment put a strain on my family. I resorted to borrowing money from friends and digital loan services to cater to rent and other needs. These only widened my debt hole, sending me to an early depression.
Gradually, I started losing self-esteem and began isolating myself. Personal grooming became a tall order and I lost my purpose. Out of fear of stigma, I abhorred the thought of opening up to my friends and family. And whenever my wife raised concern that I had become withdrawn and struggling to pay bills, I would repeatedly brush her off.
I started living in fear because debt collectors were breathing down my neck. Even a simple phone call was enough to jolt me. I was still showing up for work with a plastic smile.
I was no longer zealous. I avoided interacting with my colleagues at Migosi Primary School in Kisumu County. Friends would visit me regularly at home to comfort me. I found solace in them despite saying little. I transferred from
Migosi to Kanyamedha Primary School but my woes persisted. But my U-turn came when my daughter jokingly promised to buy me a car when she becomes an adult. That was enough to make me introspect. I retreated to my bedroom and broke down in tears. I decided to turn my life around.
When vacancies for deputy head teachers were advertised, I jumped at it. I came third out of more than 450 applicants in the county and got the job. I was posted to
Kondele Primary School as deputy head teacher
And that was enough assurance that I could bounce back. I regained my health and became my former self. I was transferred from kondele to Obinjo primary in April 2022 where I am serving in the same capacity.
The lesson is, anyone can be vulnerable to depression. What is important is to try to pick yourself up by reaching out to friends and colleagues.
