Kenyan content creator Esther Chebet has bravely opened up about her recent two-week stay in a mental institution, highlighting her ongoing battle with depression and anxiety. In a candid interview, Chebet revealed her decision to seek professional help after experiencing four consecutive days of debilitating migraines. Concerned about her well-being, her family encouraged her to get checked, leading to her admission to a mental hospital.
Chebet described the facility as a place where individuals can receive the support and care they need to maintain their mental well-being. She acknowledged the challenges she faced during her stay but expressed gratitude for the opportunity to focus on her mental health.
“Right now, I am in a good place,” Chebet affirmed, emphasizing her commitment to her mental health journey.
Despite her celebrity status, Chebet downplayed the significance of her hospitalization, stating, “It was not a big deal; I don’t see myself as a celebrity.” This remark underscores her humility and desire to break down stigmas surrounding mental health, reinforcing the message that seeking help is a universal need.
Chebet’s journey with mental health struggles dates back to her adolescence, with migraines starting as early as Class 7. She also shared how being raised by a stepdad exacerbated her anxiety.
“My mum came with me to her marriage. My relationship with my step-family was not easy. Being an outsider and a misfit was not easy,” she confessed.
The challenges Chebet faced in navigating her role within her step-family contributed to the deterioration of her mental health. She admitted feeling a lack of acceptance from her stepdad, who seemed unprepared to assume a paternal role.
“At some point, my mum became single. I don’t know where my stepdad went to. Depression and anxiety came from that,” she revealed.
The instability and uncertainty surrounding her family situation fueled her mental health struggles, highlighting the complex interplay between personal relationships and one’s mental well-being.