Breaking the Silence that is Mental Health through song

Watching a recent episode of America’s Got Talent featuring a sister and brother duet sing an original song tribute to their late mother —a heartfelt message about her passing due to mental health—was transformative and emotional for me to watch and listen. Their courage to speak and perform in song a personal message to a crowd of thousands, about their mother’s struggles struck a deep chord in me.

It reminded me of my own mental health journey, and more so, my decision to go public and speak about my struggles, which I began sharing publicly earlier this year. I faced ADHD, insomnia, grief, anxiety, depression, and addiction. But since opening up, I’ve seen just how powerful vulnerability can be. It encourages others to speak up, to shed shame, and to break through the judgment that so often surrounds mental health.

Reflections

Many people have walked this path silently before me, including me, for a long time. This is why I started Mwangaa wa Sunday, a web-based addiction and mental health support platform, to create a community around me where mental health and addiction recovery stories are shared without judgment, where lived experiences matter. Breaking the silence is a powerful step toward healing, learning, and fostering empathy and resilience —for those experiencing mental health challenges and for those supporting them. But the question remains: why do so few speak up?

In my view, the answer lies in the complex barriers created by culture, religion, and stigma. People fear judgment, job insecurity, and even shame from family and ostracism. Yet the act of sharing, whether in song, writing, or conversation, is freeing. It allows others to listen, learn, and grow in empathy. It is therapeutic, empowering and healing for the speaker.

Call to Action: Break the Silence, Speak Your Truth and Listen Empathetically

I encourage everyone to find their own form of expression.

Journal your thoughts.

Share with a trusted friend.

Speak to a community or even a single person who listens without judgment.

Talk to professionals and perhaps others with lived experiences.

If you don’t know how to respond to someone’s struggle, simply say that—and then learn. Each story shared chips away at the stigma, building a supportive space for everyone, trust me.

Conclusion

Let this be a tribute to all who suffer silently, those who’ve lost their lives, and those courageously battling to recover, rehabilitate and rebuild their lives. Let’s break the cultural silence and inspire healing, grace and forgiveness.