Dennis Ombachi opens up about of struggles with mental illness – KBC

Dennis has spoken his truth.

Dennis Ombachi is known for two things; playing for the Kenya 7s rugby team and cooking. On social media, he is the self-taught chef and DIY king and on the ground, he is a distinguished, international rugby player. Come Sunday morning, the doting father of one took to Twitter to narrate his struggles with mental illness.

Ombachi’s reveal came as a surprise to almost everybody who is familiar with him. Dennis revealed that for years, he has struggled with bipolar disorder and depression. These disorders have admittedly caused him great pain and even affected his rugby career. “Many years I have struggled with this & depression. I would usually disappear from social media & occasionally miss flights when I had made the team. This behaviour was always blamed on me “just being Dennis” What my coaches and team mates didn’t know was how much pain I was in.” He said.

The purpose of Dennis’ revelation is a noble one, being wanting to be open about the mental health topic and to encourage people not to suffer in silence. “If we talk about this more, then more people will no longer suffer in silence, the way I have all these years. I don’t need pity, I just want us to be more open to seeking professional help when we need it.” Dennis has had sessions with psychiatrists, therapists and even spent time in mental health wellness centres. 

There was overwhelming support poured on Ombachi’s SM pages after his candid Twitter thread. He is thankful for his friends who stood by him through the years

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