Former Tahidi High actress Angel Waruinge, popularly known as Miss Morgan, has shared that she struggled with depression, which led her to alcoholism.
Speaking in an interview with Alex Mwakideu, on a video posted on YouTube, Waruinge said it was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic that she developed unhealthy coping habits.
"I went through depression, and I went through a coping mechanism, which was not right, which was alcoholism,” she said.
“I thank God I was not suicidal. I thought of the suicidal moments, but there was no point I thought about it while drunk.”
Waruinge said societal expectations weighed heavily on her, adding that she had, over time, made poor life choices, including self-sabotage.
“You are famous. You are a public figure. There is this expectation that society is expecting from you, you know, you get overwhelmed,” she said.
She explained that depression can lead someone into a dark cycle where they may demean themselves.
Waruinge said between 2018 and 2021, she drank on most days. “I could count the days I did not drink,” she said.
She cautioned that alcohol is not necessarily the relief it may appear to be. Speaking about her recovery, she stressed the importance of honesty, especially with oneself.
“You have to be honest. I said I needed help, and the first person I called was my mother. I told her ‘this is not me. This is not who I am.’ At the end of the day there is that one person you can talk to,” she said.
It was then, after COVID-19 restrictions eased, that she began therapy with her mother’s support.
Waruinge said a key lesson she learnt during recovery is that people make mistakes, and embracing pain can help one become a better version of themselves.
She noted that if she could go back in time to prevent her depression, she would avoid the mindset that one has to be perfect. “Calm down.”
“Self-care and well-being are paramount. Having a proper support system is paramount. Then again, it depends on how you treat people, as they will treat you the same,” she added.
Waruinge also revealed that she once aspired to become a psychiatrist.
