Akothee: Things that can drive you into mental illness

Singer Akothee. (Courtesy)

Kenyan singer Akothee, who has over 3.4 million followers on Instagram, recently took to the social media platform to discuss the topic of mental illness.

In her post, she shared a list of things that can drive a person into mental illness and encouraged her followers to speak up and seek help if they are struggling.

According to Akothee, "It's the body struggling with a mind trying to die." She urges her followers not to suffer in silence and to take action when they feel overwhelmed. "Stop dying in silence," she says.

Akothee's list includes a range of situations that can be challenging for people to deal with, such as being threatened with the release of personal information. She advises people to take control of the situation by telling the person to release the information immediately.

"If someone is threatening you with nudes, tell them to release them today," she says.

The singer also encourages people to stand up for themselves and walk away from situations where they feel unwelcome or uncomfortable.

"If you don't feel welcomed on a table, don't fix your chair, walk out of the room with immediate effect," she advises.

Akothee also acknowledges that toxic relationships, whether they be with family, friends, or colleagues, can have a significant impact on a person's mental health. She advises people to take a break and disconnect if they feel their relationships are causing them sleepless nights.

"If your siblings/ extended family is causing you sleeplessness, take a break disconnect for sometime," she says.

The singer also advises people to take action when dealing with toxic working environments or bosses. She encourages people to speak out or leave the job before it leads to depression.

"If you have a toxic boss or toxic working environment, my dear, speak out or exit before depression exists you from the world," she advises.

Akothee also recognizes the impact that financial difficulties can have on a person's mental health. She advises people to take control of their debts and loans by contacting their debtors and asking for help.

"If you have loans debts, don't switch off your phone. Call your debtors, if it's the bank, visit them, tell them to take what they want and start from zero again," she advises.

In her post, Akothee also touches on the importance of self-care and putting oneself first. She acknowledges that it can be challenging to let go of things that are out of our control, but advises her followers to focus on their own mental space and well-being.

"You can't control everything, at times you will have to let go," she says.

The singer also encouraged people to release themselves from unnecessary stressors, such as a persistent landlord or an uncommitted partner.

Akothee advised, "If it's your landlord sending 10 calls, messages, and WhatsApps, it's not worth it. Release the house and start afresh."

She also cautioned against pressuring someone to marry you, stating, "If someone is not committing to marry you, don't push. They will soon marry their choice of wife, so enjoy the moment too."

The singer also addressed the sensitive topic of struggling with infertility, sharing her personal experience of losing a pregnancy.

Akothee reassured those going through a similar situation, "If you are struggling to get pregnant, you are not alone. Don't make it a subject, just go on with your duties as usual."

For those dealing with co-parenting issues, Akothee offered her support by inviting them to message her for a chat, saying, "If you have baby daddy/baby mama issues, inbox me, let's have a chat."

The singer emphasized the importance of acknowledging what you can and cannot control, reminding her followers that sometimes you have to let go.

Akothee's words offer an important reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that it's crucial to take care of ourselves both physically and mentally.

As she says, "Watch your mental space."