Former Tahidi High actress Angel Waruinge, popularly known to fans as Miss Morgan, has spoken candidly about her struggles with depression and how societal pressures led her down a path of alcoholism during one of the most difficult seasons of her life.
In an emotional interview with radio host Alex Mwakideu, Waruinge reflected on the dark period between 2018 and 2021, revealing that she often drank almost daily as a way to cope.
“I could count the days I did not drink,” she admitted. “I went through depression, and I went through a coping mechanism, which was not right — which was alcoholism.”
Fame, Expectations, and Emotional Strain
Waruinge, who rose to fame playing the no-nonsense Miss Morgan in the popular Kenyan TV drama Tahidi High, said the weight of public expectations became overwhelming.
“You are famous. You are a public figure. There is this expectation from society, you know. You get overwhelmed,” she said.
The actress admitted that over time, she made poor life choices and engaged in self-sabotaging behaviors. She also reflected on the mental toll of trying to maintain a “perfect” public image, noting that the pressure contributed significantly to her emotional decline.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Unhealthy Coping
According to Waruinge, her struggle worsened during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that left many people isolated and emotionally vulnerable.
She shared that while she sometimes had suicidal thoughts, she never acted on them and remained grateful for that fact. However, her dependency on alcohol grew as she tried to numb her feelings.
“I thank God I was not suicidal. I thought of the suicidal moments, but there was no point I thought about it while drunk,” she said.
Turning Point: Seeking Help
Her recovery journey began when she decided to be brutally honest with herself and reach out for help. The first person she called was her mother.
“I told her, ‘This is not me. This is not who I am.’ At the end of the day, there is that one person you can talk to,” she recalled.
With her mother’s support, Waruinge began therapy after COVID-19 restrictions eased. She credits this step as crucial to her healing.
Lessons From Recovery
The actress says her recovery taught her that it is okay to make mistakes and that embracing pain can lead to growth and self-improvement.
“Self-care and well-being are paramount. Having a proper support system is paramount. Then again, it depends on how you treat people, as they will treat you the same,” she said.
She also warned against using alcohol as a coping mechanism, stressing that it does not provide the relief it promises.
Message to Others
If she could go back in time to prevent her depression, Waruinge says she would avoid the mindset that one must always be perfect.
“Calm down,” she advised. “You don’t have to be perfect. Take care of yourself.”
Waruinge also revealed that she once aspired to become a psychiatrist, a profession that aligns with her advocacy for mental health awareness.
Her story serves as a reminder that behind public personas are real human struggles — and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.