Former Kenya 7s rugby star Dennis Ombachi, famous for his cooking videos, has revealed the motivation for his newly found talent outside the pitch.
While opening up on his mental health struggles on October 10 to Olympic news outlet, the self taught chef recounted that he found passion in cooking after facing mental health challenges and attempting suicide.
He divulged that he was diagnosed with bipolar years ago which led to an incident where he almost took his life.
Ombachi narrated that he has 32 stitches on his arm from the incident adding that he uses cooking as a distraction from his mental health disorder.
“It spirals quite easily. It just takes a single psychotic break and you will be no more. I am glad I'm still here doing this interview. It is just sheer luck.
"For me, cooking and woodwork were sorts of an escape route. Those are the things that made me feel human again. They distracted me from the realities of mental health," the rugby star stated.
Ombachi, famed for his done phrase in his videos added that it takes discipline to ensure that he follows up on his medication and therapy for his mental well-being.
He also narrated struggles he had previously which actively affected him while representing Kenya in the international space.
In particular, he revealed that he had episodes around the Rio 2016 Olympic games.
The rugby player explained that is one of the main reasons he uses his platforms to create awareness about bipolar noting that many Kenyans suffer in silence.
"What also helps me stick to my medication routine right now is the discipline I use to have as a sportsman. If I am to wake up at 5 am, train till med day, have my meals and rest. I do that repeatedly.
I keep telling people that it is just like any other disease. Once you are on medication, life just goes back to normal," he stated.
Counsellors, medics, and psychologists advise that you can always reach out for help when experiencing any mental health issues. Call Kenya Red Cross toll-free hotline, 1199, for support.
