Former Tahidi High actress Angel Waruinge, popularly known for her role as Miss Morgan, has revealed that she struggled with severe depression during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a battle that pushed her into alcoholism.
In an exclusive interview with Alex Mwakideu, posted on YouTube, Waruinge candidly recounted her lowest moments and the path she took to reclaim her life.
Depression and Alcoholism: A Painful Coping Mechanism
Waruinge disclosed that between 2018 and 2021, she consumed alcohol on most days, admitting, “I could count the days I did not drink.”
She said societal pressures, public expectations, and poor personal choices led to self-sabotage.
“You are famous, a public figure. Society has expectations, and you get overwhelmed,” she explained.
Although she admitted thinking about suicide, she was grateful that she never reached the point of attempting it. Instead, she recognised that alcohol was a dangerous, temporary escape that deepened her struggles.
Recovery Through Therapy and Family Support
The turning point came when Waruinge chose honesty and reached out for help. “The first person I called was my mother. I told her, ‘This is not me.’”
With her mother’s support, she sought therapy after COVID-19 restrictions eased, a decision she says saved her life. She highlighted the importance of confronting one’s pain, noting that mistakes can be transformed into growth opportunities.
Lessons from Her Journey
Waruinge cautioned against the perfectionist mindset, stressing that acceptance and self-compassion are crucial in preventing mental health decline. “Calm down,” she advised those feeling overwhelmed by societal pressure.
Her testimony adds to the growing conversation on mental health awareness in Kenya, a subject often stigmatised but now receiving greater attention.
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