Some people never break down in public. They keep showing up to work, meeting deadlines, caring for others, and doing everything expected of them. On the surface, they seem fine. But internally, they may be struggling with anxiety, burnout, overwhelm, or depression. In this episode of Safe Space, Paulyne Wanyonyi speaks again with Dr. Tima about the idea of being “high-functioning.” Together they explore why this label can be misleading, how distress can be hidden behind productivity, and why many people only receive help once they reach a crisis point. The conversation looks at how high performance in schools, workplaces, and even religious spaces can sometimes mask emotional suffering. Dr. Tima explains how mental health distress in Kenya often shows up through physical complaints like headaches, stomach pain, fatigue, and sleep problems rather than emotional language. The episode also explores how gender expectations, stigma, and cultural messages about resilience can make it harder for people to express vulnerability. This conversation invites us to rethink what “coping” really looks like, and how communities can learn to recognise distress even when it isn’t loud or visible. Listen to the full episode of Safe Space to learn how silent struggles show up, why high-functioning individuals are often overlooked, and what we can do to create spaces where people feel safe asking for help. Wheel of Emotions | Worksheet | Therapist Aid: https://www.thecoachingtoolscompany.com/wheel-of-life-categories/ The Self-Care Wheel: Wellness Worksheets, Activities & PDF: https://www.thecoachingtoolscompany.com/wheel-of-life-categories/ Support & Resources: Therapy Resource Catalogue - https://the-artisticpsychologist.com/therapy-mental-health-resources-by-the-artistic-psychologist/ External Suicide Toolkits - https://tr.ee/cQCujGXnvX Seeking Help Toolkit - https://tr.ee/orJUB1_Pu8 Grounding Exercises Toolkit - https://the-artisticpsychologist.com/grounding-exercises-a-quick-guide-for-intense-emotions/ Submit your Mental Health story via a voice note - Whatsapp Us on +254 788 036 727, Your story may be featured on our "In Your Own Words" segment of this podcast. Write for our Blog - https://zfrmz.com/H03NH23xUPly3ZJsEcVQ
Some people never break down in public.
They keep showing up to work, meeting deadlines, caring for others, and doing everything expected of them. On the surface, they seem fine. But internally, they may be struggling with anxiety, burnout, overwhelm, or depression. In this episode of Safe Space, Paulyne Wanyonyi speaks again with Dr. Tima about the idea of being “high-functioning.” Together they explore why this label can be misleading, how distress can be hidden behind productivity, and why many people only receive help once they reach a crisis point.
The conversation looks at how high performance in schools, workplaces, and even religious spaces can sometimes mask emotional suffering. Dr. Tima explains how mental health distress in Kenya often shows up through physical complaints like headaches, stomach pain, fatigue, and sleep problems rather than emotional language. The episode also explores how gender expectations, stigma, and cultural messages about resilience can make it harder for people to express vulnerability.
This conversation invites us to rethink what “coping” really looks like, and how communities can learn to recognise distress even when it isn’t loud or visible. Listen to the full episode of Safe Space to learn how silent struggles show up, why high-functioning individuals are often overlooked, and what we can do to create spaces where people feel safe asking for help.
Wheel of Emotions | Worksheet | Therapist Aid:
https://www.thecoachingtoolscompany.com/wheel-of-life-categories/
The Self-Care Wheel: Wellness Worksheets, Activities & PDF:
https://www.thecoachingtoolscompany.com/wheel-of-life-categories/
Support & Resources:
Therapy Resource Catalogue - https://the-artisticpsychologist.com/therapy-mental-health-resources-by-the-artistic-psychologist/
External Suicide Toolkits - https://tr.ee/cQCujGXnvX
Seeking Help Toolkit - https://tr.ee/orJUB1_Pu8
Grounding Exercises Toolkit - https://the-artisticpsychologist.com/grounding-exercises-a-quick-guide-for-intense-emotions/
Submit your Mental Health story via a voice note - Whatsapp Us on +254 788 036 727,
Your story may be featured on our "In Your Own Words" segment of this podcast.
Write for our Blog - https://zfrmz.com/H03NH23xUPly3ZJsEcVQ