FOOD BLOGGER AND RUGBY PLAYER DENNIS OMBACHI SPEAKS UP ABOUT LIVING WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER

Rugby star Dennis Ombachi has opened up on some challenges he has faced since being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Through his Twitter page, the rugby player also stated that he is suffering from depression, further detailing how the conditions have affected him. 

“Okay, Are you ready for some real life stories? Well here goes. As You know, I am Dennis Ombachi, kind of an International rugby player and a guy who’s passionate about cooking, what many people don’t know is that in am medically diagnosed with  bipolar disorder. Many years I have struggled with this and depression. I would usually disappear from social media and 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 wrote. 

He added; “For those who don’t know bipolar disorder means my moods can swing from elation to depression without warning, however, as long as I take my medication, I’m usually good. This has taken a toll on my family life over the years and I am thankful for the support I have received.”

He also noted that he decided to come out and share his story as many people are affected by mental health but no one is willing to come out and talk about it. “You may ask why I am saying this on Sunday morning, the answer is simple. Mental Health is affecting so many people but no one will come forward and talk about it because it’s considered taboo in our culture. For me, let me be the one. Many athletes and many ordinary people are facing this daily and they need help and understanding,” he added. 

Ombachi expressed the need to have individuals willing to address mental health problems and victims willing to seek professional help. “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. I have had spells with therapists, psychiatrist and spent time at Mental Health wellness centres. Again, thank Goodness for my friends who became family. They too can sigh with relief and now answer truthfully when people ask them “Where’s Dennis”,” he concluded.