Author Kuukua Yomekpe reflections

“In Darfur”: Is There Merit to Living the Status Quo?

I just returned from seeing "In Darfur." I'm literally still shaking from the violence. Despite the trigger warnings we were given, my body was not ready for this. If I'm shaking from the renactment, imagine how my sisters Hawa and Hamida on the ground in Darfur are feeling. Some plays and films based on real life happenings … Continue reading “In Darfur”: Is There Merit to Living the Status Quo?

Author Kuukua Yomekpe reflections

“I’m Fine. Honest I Am.” – An Open letter – World Suicide Prevention Day.

boldkevin's avatarVoices of Glass

TW SIGNToday is World Suicide Prevention Day and as a result of this, and the fact that as a result of my mental illness(es) I frequently experience suicidal thoughts, I felt I simply had to write a post relevant to the subject of suicide.

But whenever I consider writing a post like this, the very first thing that comes to my mind is – “Well Kev, You know this is going to raise some ‘concerned’ eyebrows.  You know is will worry those who love you and give ammunition to those who judge you?  And that either way it will generate some texts and comments don’t you?”

And in truth I do know that.  But the fact is that posts like this are so very important.  And whilst I don’t want to cause anyone any undue concern, if folk like me, who experience suicidal thoughts and have survived through them, don’t speak…

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Author Kuukua Yomekpe grief, reflections

A Weary Heart

I find myself bursting into tears randomly over the last several weeks since I returned from vacation. It’s literally only been 20 days since I arrived back in the U.S. and I have knots in my neck. My stomach is always upset. My herniated discs are more active than usual. I’ve been thinking that maybe … Continue reading A Weary Heart

Author Kuukua Yomekpe reflections

“Our Skin Is Trouble!”

This phrase is borrowed from Mr. Bansi aka Robert Zwelinzima in "Siswe Bansi is Dead" by Athol Fugard, John Kani, and Winston Ntshona. A play I came to know fairly well while vacationing in Anguilla. To say I'm sick and numb is an understatement. What has been happening since before Trayvon, Renisha, Eric, and now Michael has … Continue reading “Our Skin Is Trouble!”

Author Kuukua Yomekpe reflections

30 Day Mental Illness Awareness Challenge – Day Four

This was so helpful to read. It articulates some of what I want to write sometimes but feel overwhelmed and shy to do.

boldkevin's avatarVoices of Glass

30-day-challenge4Day 4: What are the pros and cons of having a mental illness(es) or your specific illness(es)?

This is a question (or subject) which I have often reflected on and indeed written on.

And in truth, there will no doubt be some commonalities in the answers given by different people doing this challenge. But because we are all unique and our circumstances unique I don’t doubt that there will no doubt be some answers that I give, which are entirely specific to me.

I think I am going to deal with the ‘cons’ first as I would very much like to end this post on a positive note rather than a negative one.

The ‘Cons’

Ok first the explanatory disclaimer.  The truth is that there are a whole myriad of cons which can be associated to having mental illness or experiencing poor mental health.  But in the interest of not…

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