• Govi suffered depression for a year after quitting 'Machachari'
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Malik Lemuel, popularly known as Govi from the kids' show 'Machachari', fought depression for a year.
In a YouTube interview with Lynn Ngugi, Govi said after he quit the show, things changed in his life.
Money stopped coming and those who were his friends in the industry cut ties.
"I was still earning for some months after I quit the show, but it got somewhere, the money ended. I started spending my time alone. I was used to waking up early but that life was not there anymore," he said.
His body felt different and his friends thought he was on drugs.
"I remember telling my mum I was not feeling okay but she did not know what was happening. My friends thought I was using drugs. I used to get very angry since I was not on any drugs."
Govi said he knew many doors would open, but after some time, calls stopped coming, friends were not there.
"Until today, I have a tight circle of friends. I got angry and I hated acting. Quitting was a choice but I did not expect the negative consequences. I could not watch Netflix."
Govi explained that his mum played a key role in his life and that he also sought help from Nairobi Hospital and his church apostle.
"She would tell me she went through the same," he said.
"It took one year and it ended. I think it was anxiety, anger and it is hard to explain. I felt like I was running mad. I believe sharing it will help someone."
He is glad he came out of it a conqueror.
"Doors started opening. I no longer complain about it as I think that came for me to understand what some people go through," he said.
"Having a phase in life where you don't understand what is happening is a bigger blessing."