Our friends, which might include romantic relationships in this case, are protective factors. By that I mean people who go through difficult phases in their lives can find solace in companionship. But when these people have to face challenges alone, then the consequences can be dire.

Why Just Talking Helps? Is a great article by Clinical Psychologist Jonathan Shedler. In the article, he asserts that “ Words are powerful containers of emotion. The act of putting thoughts and feelings into words transforms them and makes them more manageable. When we put experience into words, we bring it into the light of day.”

As they say, no man is an island. We need people to navigate the ups and downs of life. In a society like ours, this used to be an important part of daily life. People have strong support systems and usually face challenges together. This seems to have changed now.

The rise of social media and the demands of modern work have left people isolated. Even when friends hang out, it is to have “ a good time” and not to share what is on their mind or what’s troubling them.

Have you ever noticed people say “ he/she seemed so fine” when a person dies by suicide? That is what isolation does to people. Being unable to confide in anyone makes them good at acting like nothing is wrong.

People are unlikely to open up unless they feel like they’re in a safe space and are certain that the other person cares. We rarely ask questions about the lives of people around us, except the usual greetings.

This honestly makes me sad. What are friends for if not to help and support each other? What is the point of laughing out loud when you’re together and then suffering in silence?

People usually say they have their own things to worry about when asked why they weren’t there for someone. Society increasingly avoids awkward moments and difficult conversations in the quest to maintain peace of mind. However, sharing is the surest pathway to healing. We can be there for someone and also share our worries with others.

Mental health professionals are tasked with listening to these difficult conversations and offering help, but the role of friends is immense. Simply having a conversation with someone you trust can go a long way in making a difference.

So if you can’t be there for the bad times, then I am sorry you’re not a real friend. And I am so tired of hearing suicide stories about people that no one around them noticed anything before it was too late. We need to kick off a conversation and be there for one another. We need to do better. Mental health matters!

After joining medical school, I suffered from anxiety in my first year and had to withdraw from my studies. During that year off, I read about what depression and anxiety were and gained a better understanding. Ever since then, I have been interested in the topic. And for a long time, I wanted to become a Psychiatrist.

Medical school was tough. The constant stress, workload, verbal abuse, and sleepless nights were things I struggled with. Even though I knew that I was struggling with depression and anxiety, I had no place where I could talk about these feelings. People generally aren’t open to talking about issues related to mental health and usually don’t have anything to say. It is something you sweep under the rug.

My symptoms got worse during my last year of medical school, and it finally reached a point when I couldn’t hide it anymore. I decided to write about it online, so I chose Twitter. It was a place where I talked about what mental illness is, what people can do to get help, and shared my personal story.

For a while, it was a good thing. I managed to share my thoughts and get a bit of relief. Some people used to message me about their own stories. And more than you believe, there are people out there suffering silently.

I decided writing on Twitter isn’t enough, so I started a YouTube channel. Being a Doctor helped in this regard. I shared what I have learned from both my training and personal experience. I also invited Psychiatrists to my channel so that they can teach the public about some common illnesses.

The feedback was great, and people were truly benefiting from the content. However, there was pushback from family members and some friends. They thought being so open about mental health issues could have negative side effects.

What I didn’t see coming was the fact that people would use the stories you shared against you. I mean, it is the internet after all. So I decided to take a step back.

For someone who works in the media and has to appear in front of the camera, my situation wasn’t ideal. What if the audience that watches finds out about this? What if they use it against me when I say something they don’t agree with? These were all questions that were coming back and forth in my head.

And then I looked at what is around me and realized that staying silent isn’t an option. There are so many people struggling with different types of mental health struggles, but they don’t know how to seek help. At the same time, there is so much misinformation online and a campaign against mental health professionals. So when I look at this, I realize that I should continue to speak up.

Will I revive my YouTube channel? I don’t know for certain, but I hope so. But I will definitely keep writing about the topic because, like we always say, mental health matters.

There is, however, something special about this England team. Players like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are among my favorite players of this generation. Bellingham played for my club, Borussia Dortmund, and gave me countless enjoyable moments. Kane has been a player I admired ever since he burst onto the scene at Spurs, and even though he now plays for Bayern Munich, he is a striker I truly admire.

And then there is the coach, Thomas Tuchel, who I was first introduced to in 2010 when he was head coach of a small club called Mainz. I was in 12th grade then and used to watch the Bundesliga on the free-to-air channel Dubai Sports. That’s actually how I became addicted to the league and ended up becoming a German football writer, but that is a story for another day.

Tuchel’s Mainz were one of the most remarkable underdog stories we have seen in the Bundesliga. At the start of the 2010/11 season, there was a point at which they were top of the league. They didn’t play fancy, exciting football, but they did know how to beat big teams and ended up defeating Louis Van Gaal’s Bayern Munich to the shock of many spectators. They ended the season in a Europa League spot for the first time in their history, and in the process, I became a huge fan of Tuchel.

When Tuchel came to Dortmund in 2015, I was ecstatic. He didn’t win the Bundesliga but built a great team that played exciting football and, btw, nurtured the talent of a teenage Ousmane Dembele who is now a Ballon D’or winner. He also won the DFB Pokal. However, he fell out with higher management, something of a constant throughout his career, and was sacked. I was heartbroken. I even tweeted that wherever Tuchel goes, I go too, and that is what I did. Whichever team he managed, whether PSG or Chelsea, I closely followed and rooted for his success, even though I wasn’t fond of those teams.

But when he became England coach, I was over the moon. Finally, a team I can get behind with plenty of likeable players. Even before this World Cup tournament, I predicted (more like wished) that England would win.

England was getting close, and despite all the doubts and the negative voices outside, it was really coming home until a disastrous 30 minutes against Argentina. I’m not writing this to defend Tuchel’s tactics or try to save his name from those who want his head, but just to say that Argentina’s win against England was one of the most painful games I have witnessed.

I felt sorry for the hardworking England players and for Tuchel. The reaction online was predictably toxic, unreasonable, and abusive. I didn’t even sleep that night. I just couldn’t put my phone down, and I was glued to Twitter reading all the post-game takes ( which is a sign for self-reflection tbh).

It would’ve been a great story if a coach I have followed since I was 17 and wrote countless articles about would win the biggest prize in football, but it is not meant to be. As someone who has been hurt by football so many times, this too shall pass, but for now, I feel like I have been punched in the stomach.

“ No. That’s not me”

Game of Thrones has so many powerful dialogues and that is the main reason why it is one of my favorite shows of all time ( next to FRIENDS and PRISON BREAK of course).

You can learn a lot about politics, family and duty from this HBO series. When people try to boil the film down to just dragons and naked people- which to be fair a label that comes from those who don’t watch the show- I get annoyed.

The above quote was said by Arya Stark. She is the third child of Ned Stark who is the lord of Winterfall and warden of the North ( fancy titles). In one of their conversations her father ( and I do believe Arya is his favorite) tells her that one day she will marry a lord and that her children will be lords and ladies as well. That is when she said that’s not her.

Arya always opposed the role society expected of her. Her older sister Sansa was a typical lady. She made beautiful dresses and always appeared pretty and presentable.

Arya was a mess… she didn’t know how to sew a needle and she couldn’t fold her clothes properly… but she was good at archery. And she wanted to be a fighter.

Her brother Jon gave her a sword before leaving for the wall and her father seeing her passion hired a swords man to teach her how to use the sword she ironically called ‘needle’. Her first mentor was known as “ a dancing master”.

Arya was always determined to fight and she ended up being one of the best fighters in the kingdom.

She happen to also be mentored by the best fighters around.

The fact that Tywin Lannister called her “ a sharp little thing” tells you everything you need to know. ( had he known who he was!!  )

Arya avenged her family and saved the people of Westeros.

And she did that because she said “ No. that’s not me.”

In our lives we are often told who we should be. We are often pushed towards a certain direction… it is in that moment that we should be like Arya and stand up for what we aspire to become…

The journey will not be easy just because we are chasing what we are passionate about but it is worth it.

“ Every hurt is a lesson and every lesson makes you better”

Music has a unique way of helping us process emotions. Sometimes, a song about the very thing we are struggling with can make us feel understood rather than alone. That is why I have such a strong attachment to Anxiety by Doechii.

The song went viral about a year ago, even though it was first released during the pandemic. I believe it resonated with many young people because it put into words feelings that are often difficult to describe.

Perhaps the dance featuring Will Smith contributed to its popularity, but I believe the song’s message is what truly connected with listeners.

The lyrics portray anxiety as something that constantly follows you, refusing to let go. They capture the fear that someone is always watching you and the crushing tightness in the chest, as though an elephant is standing on it. While no song can capture every person’s experience, Anxiety does a remarkable job of describing many of the common symptoms associated with anxiety and panic attacks. Although it also contains broader social and political themes, it succeeds in raising awareness about mental health.

The interesting thing is that whenever I hear this song, I feel calmer. I sometimes play it when I am feeling anxious, and somehow it helps me relax. I cannot fully explain why it works, but it does. Maybe there is comfort in hearing someone put words to feelings that are otherwise difficult to express. That is why I have such an attachment to this song.

At the same time, I worry that some people may become too attached to it and begin to romanticize anxiety. Anxiety disorders are serious medical conditions that can affect every aspect of a person’s life. While music can be comforting, it should never replace professional help.

If you recognize yourself in the symptoms described in the song, please consider seeking clinical support. You do not have to face anxiety alone.

And if you simply enjoy the song like I do—dance away.

This past weekend, thousands of students graduated from universities across the country. It was heartwarming to see their smiles and sense of accomplishment as they shared their graduation photos on social media.

Graduation feels like the finish line. Years of hard work, late nights, and countless exams have finally paid off. For a brief moment, everything seems possible. But once the celebrations fade, a new question begins to take over: What comes next?

That is when the confusion and doubt start to creep in. What type of job should I apply for? Where should I work? What will my career look like? What courses should I take? How should I network with people in my industry? These are questions that many graduates begin to ask themselves.

I found myself asking those same questions after graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic. For several months, I stayed at home under lockdown. While there was plenty of football to keep me entertained, I also decided to make productive use of my time by starting a YouTube channel.

That decision allowed me to create content on my favorite topic, collaborate with like-minded people, and develop my communication skills. I also began writing articles for Soccer Ethiopia, Bundesliga Fanatic, and Breaking The Lines, among other publications.

Looking back, that period of uncertainty became one of the most important stages of my career. Because there was no pressure to immediately settle into a traditional job, I had the freedom to experiment, learn, and improve my journalism skills. Those experiences gradually helped me transition into mainstream media.

Shortly afterward, I was given the opportunity to provide football commentary on Bisrat FM 101.1. From there, even more opportunities followed.

My point is this: the period after graduation is not just about finding a job—it is also about building your skills, discovering your passions, and laying the foundation for your future career. Sometimes, the opportunities that shape your life come during seasons of uncertainty.

So, if you’re feeling confused after graduation, know that you’re not alone. Embrace the challenge, stay curious, and keep investing in yourself. Graduation is not the end of your journey—it is the beginning of discovering who you want to become.

Many times, people don’t understand why I chose to change my profession from medicine to journalism. After all, medicine is supposedly a noble profession where you get to help people and make a difference. People argue that the years spent acquiring this profession are too significant to ignore.

Many people I have encountered bring this up during job interviews. While interviewing for a sports reporter role at a TV station, one of the interviewers asked me if I was sure I wanted to leave medicine behind to pursue journalism.

On another occasion, a radio manager was baffled by my decision during a job interview. He said that his tax money had paid for my education and that I had taken a place away from someone else in medical school.

The list goes on.

When I say that I am a journalist and that my background is in medicine, people don’t usually respond positively. What usually follows is shock and disbelief.

This is mostly because medicine is a profession that is held in such high regard, while journalism, for one reason or another, is not.

I try not to let this discourage me. I still love journalism and strive to get better at it every day.

Journalism has allowed me to tell important and exciting stories, interview influential people, and educate the public about health issues.

In the middle of my doubts, a friend once told me:

“Brook, I am sure you are a great doctor, but honestly, life is too short. Stop fooling around and go deep into this journalism thing. Stop going back and forth. Bet on yourself. And before you even say it, it really is that simple.”

Over the past few weeks and months we have heard stories about people who died by suicide through social media. The problem here is how the stories are portrayed.

Since most of the people disseminating this news are not journalists there often is a clear ethical breach.

Additional care should be taken while reporting these issues because they are sensitive and can lead to harm to others.

There are various ethical considerations one needs to be aware of before addressing these issues.

There is a WHO guideline for media professionals on how to report on suicide. Let’s take a look at them one by one:

Dos

• Do provide accurate information about where to seek help

• Do educate the public about the facts of suicide and suicide prevention,

without spreading myths

• Do report stories of how to cope with life stressors or suicidal thoughts,

and how to get help

• Do apply particular caution when reporting celebrity suicides

• Do apply caution when interviewing bereaved family or friends

• Do recognize that media professionals themselves may be affected by

stories about suicide

Don’ts

• Don’t place stories about suicide prominently and don't unduly repeat

such stories

• Don’t use language which sensationalizes or normalizes suicide, or

presents it as a constructive solution to problems

• Don’t explicitly describe the method used

• Don’t provide details about the site/location

• Don’t use sensational headlines

• Don’t use photographs, video footage or social media links

According to data from the WHO there are about 800,000 suicides yearly worldwide and approximately 6 people are affected by each suicide.

These days we are hearing numerous reports about suicide in the country. The rise in suicide, at least in the number that we are hearing in the news, is concerning and there is a lot we have to do. What I want to address today is the way these types of news are covered in the media especially social media. Most of the way suicide is portrayed in different social media platforms is dangerous and careless. Individuals should take great care while they report on these issues.

- Do not use sensational headlines: Headlines serve the purpose of attracting the reader’s attention by giving the essence of the story in as few words as possible. The word “suicide” should not be used in the headline, and explicit reference to the method or site of the suicide should be avoided.

- Do not use photographs, video footage or digital media links: Photographs, video footage or social media links of the scene of a suicide should not be used, particularly if reference is made to specific details of the location or method. In addition, great caution is required in the use of pictures of a person who has died by suicide. If images are used, explicit permission should be obtained from family members.

- Provide accurate information about where to seek help : Information about support resources should be provided at the end of all stories about suicide. The specific resources should include suicide prevention centres, crisis helplines, other health and welfare professionals, and self-help groups. Information about where to seek help should include services that are recognized in the community as being of high quality and accessible 24/7, if available.

- Do not explicitly describe the method used. Detailed description and/or discussion of the method should be avoided because this will increase the likelihood that a vulnerable person will copy the act. In reporting an overdose, for example it could be harmful to detail the brand/name, nature, quantity or combination of drugs taken, or how they were obtained

Source - World Health Organization

For almost five years, I have worked across TV, radio, print magazines, and digital platforms. I have taken various journalism courses and completed a health communications fellowship. Despite all of that, people still see Dr. Brook rather than Brook the journalist.

A few days ago, a stranger recognized me as a sports journalist. I was thrilled. It felt like genuine validation for all my hard work, but these moments remain few and far between.

Maybe this is a sign not to discard my medical background so easily. Maybe it is a wake-up call. I could embrace both identities as I move forward, or I can just keep hustling, hoping that, in time, the journalism side will fully dominate.

When I talk about medicine, it is usually with a negative tone—mainly because my time in the field was far from happy. I still have memories from that period that haunt me. People often suggest different ways I could still work within healthcare. I would be lying if I said I haven’t thought about going back, but whenever I get close to that environment, the old anxieties resurface.

I didn’t leave medicine for one single reason, but if I had to choose the biggest one, it is simply that I want to be happy.

Spending every day in an environment you don’t enjoy is incredibly taxing. I endured my undergraduate studies because I believed I should finish what I started. Beyond that, though, there was no reason to stick around—especially when there is another profession I am deeply passionate about and believe I can excel in.

Since transitioning to journalism, I have hit milestones that I cherish, written important stories, and worked with reputable organizations. I don’t think I would have achieved any of this had I stayed in medicine.

I always felt that clinical medicine wasn’t for me. It’s not that I hate the field or believe it isn’t a noble profession, but my skills are simply better aligned with writing and reporting.

I have been trying to move on from my identity as a doctor, but it often feels like an impossible task. Once people learn you have a medical degree, that is who you are to them, no matter what else you achieve. It seems you can’t outrun medicine.

He is really good with the ball at his feet. His dribbling, shooting, and passing are top-notch. He is an all-rounder and a complete footballer.

But this is not the reason why I admire Nmecha.

I respect and look up to Nmecha because he is faithful to his Christian beliefs. Whenever he gets the chance, he does not back down from speaking about Christ.

In the World Cup game between Germany and Curaçao, Nmecha managed to score his first-ever World Cup goal in his first-ever game in the competition. Afterward, he celebrated by symbolically laying down his crown and placing it at the feet of Jesus.

This shows how dedicated he is to glorifying Jesus in his actions. He is always seeking the glory of Christ in all that he does.

The crown symbol has its meanings.

According to thekingsreturn.com:

“The world may crown us, but we choose to crown Him. Many nations. One gesture. Every crown laid at the feet of Jesus.”

The Crown

We crown ourselves. We chase status. This rebellion breaks us and cuts us off from God.

The Cross

Jesus took our guilt, wore a crown of thorns, died for our sins, and rose again to defeat death.

The King

Jesus, the true King, is coming again. Every knee will bow. Every crown will fade.

This is why I believe Nmecha is such an inspiration. Sticking with your faith through the highs and lows of a professional career is commendable.

This reminds me of a song by the band Unspoken:

I may never get money
I may never have fame
But if I am ever in the spotlight
I point it back Your way

’Cause standing at the top was never my goal
But put me on a mountain and I’ll tell the whole world
Singing hallelujah till I hit the dirt

Since Arsenal won the Premier League, many fans around the world, including in Ethiopia, have expressed their happiness by taking to the streets to celebrate. In the middle of these celebrations, however, thousands of angry comments appeared on social media, claiming that the youth have lost their minds.

Passion for football is simple: you either have it or you don’t. But why are the “celebration police” telling the youth not to enjoy their passion?

This isn’t the first time football fans have been accused of being too obsessed with the sport. People have also frequently complained about sports programs on the radio. Previously, one motivational speaker used the World Cup final between Argentina and France in Qatar to force an agenda, asking: “Argentina has won a trophy, but have you eaten breakfast?” The insinuation was clear—that people who watch football are lazy and don’t work.

It is no secret that, as a country, we face many worrying challenges. The cost of living is rising, unemployment is rampant, and conflicts are occurring across the nation. But that doesn’t mean we should constantly obsess over things we cannot change. We hear sad news every day, but we don’t have to internalize all of it. In fact, if we do, we truly will lose our minds.

Football is something people watch periodically, and most fans have a healthy relationship with it. They do their jobs, maintain their relationships, and treat football as a passion—something to help them unwind.

I think many people underestimate the positive role football plays in a society like ours. It keeps young people away from bad habits and fosters a strong sense of community. It serves as a healthy distraction from the daily trials of life, without making people numb to reality.

When I see accusations that football is “destroying a generation,” I get confused. I see this as a cheap shot, an inability to recognize the true value of the sport, and the demonization of a wholesome pastime.

We have far greater problems than football; we just don’t like to address them. Football is simply an easy target.

I know the title of this blog sounds weird, but I am just being honest. Witnessing Arsenal lift the Premier League trophy that has eluded them all these years just shows how beautiful football can be.

Since I was ten years old, I have been a dedicated fan of Manchester United. Coincidentally, I started supporting United toward the end of the heated Wenger-Sir Alex rivalry. Then, José Mourinho arrived at Chelsea, and there was a new competitor in town.

Sir Alex managed to sweep Mourinho’s Chelsea aside and won three league titles in a row. As a teenager, those were some of the best years of my life. I truly enjoyed football.

The same couldn’t be said for my Arsenal-supporting friends. I watched some fans quietly give up on the game, while others still marched on. The 8-2 defeat didn’t stop them, nor did the trophyless years.

When Arsenal went 2-0 down against Hull City in the 2014 FA Cup final, it looked like it was heading toward another heartbreaking moment for The Gunners. But Arsenal managed to turn it around and win their first trophy in nine years. The following year, they beat Aston Villa comfortably to retain the trophy.

But what they really wanted to win was the Premier League title.

And that is where Mikel Arteta steps in. The former player turned manager has helped Arsenal win the league title after 22 years of hurt.

The celebrations were wild. Arsenal fans were out on the streets and dominating social media platforms, soaking in the league triumph.

As a Man United fan, I wasn’t exactly happy. My team last won the league 13 years ago, and we still seem far away from winning it again. But this moment taught me an important lesson: how remaining loyal to your team can finally pay off.

Imagine how many painful years those Arsenal fans endured before this eventual triumph. Before now, they were every pundit’s favorite punching bag.

This Arsenal triumph showed me the beautiful side of football—the side that makes it clear why we love this game in the first place.

Over the past week, I have been hyped up about the Champions League final and am eagerly anticipating the World Cup. My football enthusiasm is back, and it is largely thanks to a rival team and what they managed to accomplish.

The current account is my second one. My first was deleted in 2022 after I decided to quit the platform altogether. I opened that original account around 2014 while I was in medical school. Back then, Instagram was a novelty that only a few of my friends used. I decided to join this “exclusive club” and posted pictures I took using my iPhone 4.

Back in the day, Instagram was simple—I even loved the old icon. It was just a place where you could have fun and share raw pictures with friends. But over time, that began to change. The platform morphed into a crowded ad site driven by an algorithm that prioritizes hyper-curated aesthetics and cheap attention.

A few months after deleting that first account, I eventually opened a new one to promote my YouTube channel, planning to post short clips to reach a different audience. It is nice to use Instagram to organize your visual content, but it comes at a cost.

Instagram isn’t a utility-driven platform like X. You don’t really get a sense of what is happening in the world by checking it. Instead, you get a distorted window into the lives of people around you—or worse, people you don’t even know. Everyone seems to be shouting into their own void: random quotes, pictures of what someone ate, vacation reels, and endless family updates.

At some point, you have to question what you are actually getting out of it.

Instagram forces you to witness the lives of other people and compare their best days to your random Tuesdays. It is fundamentally detrimental to mental health because it triggers constant, involuntary comparison. (The same could easily be said about LinkedIn in professional circles.

Taking a page out of Cal Newport’s Digital Minimalism, I decided after careful consideration that it was better to take Instagram out of the equation entirely. X is more than enough for my journalism endeavors.

Instead of deleting the account, which felt incredibly final, I chose to deactivate it. The benefits over the last month have been immediate. While I might be slightly more removed from casual acquaintances, there are always better ways to stay in touch. Decreasing the number of digital inputs is rarely a bad thing.

Now, my mind isn’t flooded by thousands of images I never asked to see. I don’t have to track what someone ate or be inundated by highlights of how great someone else’s life is. I’m not envious—I’m genuinely glad people are doing well—but that’s simply not why I want to use social media.

My primary goal online is to read news relevant to my work and share my own writing with my network. Instagram plays absolutely no role in that.

By deactivating Instagram, I have managed to save time, get peace of mind, and also get rid of that anxious, annoyed feeling I used to get every time I used the platform.

Goodbye, Instagram. You won’t be missed. Mental health matters.

At the time, I didn’t fully understand what was happening to me. Looking back now, I realize I was experiencing burnout.

Even though burnout is not classified as a medical condition, it has become one of the most discussed issues among mental health professionals and workplace experts in recent years. The World Health Organization describes burnout as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.

It is characterized by three major signs:

• Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion

• Increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of cynicism toward work

• Reduced professional efficacy

Modern work culture demands a lot from people, and our generation appears increasingly vulnerable to burnout. Everything in today’s work environment feels accelerated. We are expected to constantly perform, stay productive, meet deadlines, and remain available. The pace rarely slows down.

Some professions are especially susceptible to burnout, and medicine is certainly one of them.

During my internship, there were certain hospital attachments where I constantly counted down the days until the week would end. I did not necessarily hate the work itself, but I was mentally and physically drained all the time. My friends used to laugh because I could fall asleep almost immediately whenever I sat down.

Burnout followed me even after I left clinical medicine.

My first professional job in journalism was at Bisrat FM, where I worked as both a football commentator and a morning news presenter. Preparing for football matches meant watching countless games, researching teams, and spending days getting ready for broadcasts.

Eventually, I became burned out.

I reached a point where I simply could not bear to watch another football game. I intentionally skipped matches just to disconnect for a while. As someone who genuinely loves football, I never imagined there would be a day when I would not want to watch the sport at all. But that is what burnout does to people. It has a tendency to slowly drain the enjoyment out of things they once loved.

In both medicine and journalism, burnout is common. But I am certain it is not limited to those professions alone.

One of the major reasons behind employee dissatisfaction and high turnover in many industries is burnout.

Among healthcare workers especially, burnout has become a global occupational hazard. Studies suggest that burnout among health professionals is influenced not only by workload, but also by poor wages, difficult working conditions, low socioeconomic support, role ambiguity, and lack of institutional support.

The World Health Organization recommends a dual approach that focuses on improving workplace conditions while also helping individuals manage stress more effectively.

Organizations can help reduce burnout by:

• Managing excessive workloads and improving staffing

• Providing flexible work arrangements and healthier work-life balance

• Training managers to recognize and address stress among employees

• Creating supportive workplace cultures with clear communication

• Encouraging employees to disconnect from work outside office hours

At the individual level, people can also take steps to protect themselves by:

• Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life

• Practicing stress-management techniques such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises

• Seeking psychological support when necessary

• Taking intentional breaks before exhaustion becomes overwhelming

Burnout does not always look dramatic. Sometimes it appears quietly. It can make people lose motivation, disconnect emotionally from their work, or stop enjoying the things they once loved.

That is why we need to take it seriously. Not just as a personal issue, but as a workplace and societal problem that affects productivity, mental health, and quality of life.

I’ve been told many times that I’m what social media calls a “nostalgia merchant.” I post old photos, revisit memories, and tell stories about the past. It’s simply how I engage with the world. And it is especially how I talk about football, a game that has always lived in my imagination as much as on the pitch.

For me nostalgia is more than a sentiment. It’s a way of understanding how I became who I am.

Growing up, my dream was simple: become a football commentator. I was captivated by voices like Jon Champion—the voice, the rhythm, the emotion, the ability to turn moments into stories. From BBC 5 live radio broadcasts to local programs like እግር ኳስን በሬድዮ ተመልከቱ and Kuas Meda on Sheger FM 101.1, I listened obsessively.

But like many children, I learned early that dreams and reality don’t always align. The education system offered a clear, structured path and journalism didn’t seem to fit into it. So I followed the expected route. I went to medical school.

Everything began to shift when I got my first smartphone as a freshman. My world expanded overnight. I moved from radio to online reading. As a child, I had already developed a habit of reading anything I could find—magazines, newspaper columns, especially Yetemari ena Astemari Weg in Addis Admas. Looking back, I think that early exposure planted something in me.

At 21, I joined Twitter and that was another turning point.

Suddenly, I had access to a global conversation. Football was no longer just something I watched; it became something I could analyze, discuss, and write about. I followed journalists, read extensively, and slowly began to contribute my own thoughts. While my friends were buried in medical textbooks, I found myself just as absorbed in articles from The Guardian, The Independent, and The New York Times.

I admired writers like Rory Smith and Sid Lowe. I imagined a different life—one built around storytelling rather than stethoscopes.

But I kept that part of myself hidden.

My father didn’t know about my writing until I was close to graduating. So when I told him I wanted to pursue journalism, it came as a surprise.

The question then became unavoidable: how could I best serve my community?

I chose to combine both worlds. To use journalism as a tool to address health issues, especially those we tend to ignore. Mental health is one of them. It affects all of us, whether we acknowledge it or not. The stigma surrounding it doesn’t make it disappear it only makes it harder to confront.

My journey into journalism hasn’t been smooth. There were moments I doubted myself, times I stepped away entirely. There are still people who question whether I belong in this space. But passion has a way of persisting. The heart, as they say, wants what it wants.

And when I look back at those childhood photos I see the pattern more clearly.

Children are always learning. They watch, they listen, they absorb. The smallest exposures can shape their interests, their confidence, even their sense of possibility.

So the question isn’t just about my past. It’s about the present and the future.

አረ ልጆች ልጆች እንጫወት በጣም
ከእንግዲህ ልጅነት ተመልሶ አይመጣም!

Her battle with depression began with an overwhelming sense of sadness and a profound feeling of emptiness. As the days turned into weeks, she found herself sinking deeper into the depths of despair.

Her struggles were compounded by three attempts to take her own life, as she felt trapped in a world that no longer held any meaning for her.

As the symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts took hold, Sara's days were spent aimlessly scrolling through her phone, seeking solace in a digital landscape that only deepened her feelings of isolation.

Lost in a sea of perplexing emotions, Sara grappled with an inner turmoil she struggled to comprehend. It wasn't until she stumbled upon a Telegram channel that the fog began to lift.

As she immersed herself in the enlightening content shared on the platform, Sara's eyes were opened to a profound revelation: she was experiencing the depths of depression.

This newfound understanding became a catalyst for change in Sara's life. She bravely confided in her father and sought medical attention, eager to take control of her mental health.

However, despite her efforts to raise awareness about her illness, Sara found that her family and friends struggled to understand the gravity of her situation.

As she shared her experience with those around her, Sara was met with dismissive responses, even from those who considered themselves well-informed. To her dismay, some suggested that a simple cup of coffee would be enough to cure her depression.

It was during this challenging time that Sara attempted her third suicide, a desperate act born out of the depths of her despair.

“When that happened,” said Sara, I was immediately taken to the hospital and managed to survive.”

The incident became a pivotal moment for Sara, a catalyst that ignited a fire within her. Determined to make a difference, she resolved to leverage the power of her social media platforms to raise awareness about mental health issues and suicidal attempts, especially through Facebook.

She embarked on a mission to share her own journey and provide support and resources to those in need.

“I came to realize later that suicide is a problem that affects many people,” she said.

Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) backs Sara’s view. Globally one million people die by suicide every year and this amounts to 1 in 40 people, according to WHO.

Suicide’s impact starts with a family but its impact is extended to the society and country as it has become the leading cause of death among the youth (between 15 to 29 years old) taking the lives of the country’s productive segment of the population.

An academic study conducted in 2022 at Dilla University shows that there is a high prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempted suicide in Ethiopia. The prevalence is high in women due to sexual violence and early marriage among other causes, according to the study.

People tend to seek professional help when they encounter problems related to suicidal thoughts. Studies show that 50% to 75% of suicidal ideation, which refers to thoughts, fantasies, and wishes about ending one’s own life, and attempts are reported to primary healthcare facilities.

While Sara was fortunate enough to survive after seeking medical help, the tragic reality remains that in recent days, youth in Ethiopia are losing their lives before receiving the vital medical assistance they desperately need when confronted with suicidal ideation.

In recent times, Ethiopian social media platforms have been inundated with a heart-wrenching tale of a young girl who tragically took her own life. Her distressing Facebook posts hinted at her deep struggles, providing glimpses into the dark place she was in.

Adding to the sorrow, a private message she had sent to a friend came to light following her untimely passing, further highlighting the immense pain she carried within.

This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the pervasive mental health challenges that contribute to the alarming rates of suicide among young people in the country.

Miraj Juhar, a psychologist and a mental and psycho-social support leader at CARE, an international NGO working to help women and children in poverty, says mental illnesses and substance use disorders are associated with an increased risk of suicide.

In Ethiopia, one in four citizens suffers from a mental disorder, according to Miraj.

“As a solution to prevent suicide, public education and awareness campaigns are being implemented continuously at the community level to prevent suicide,” said Miraj.

The Ministry of Health has also developed the national mental health strategic plan 2020-2025 with the main of contributing to the prevention of suicide in Ethiopia, according to the Ministry.

“The Ministry has given priority to suicide prevention in its work on mental health issues,” said Jemal Teshome, mental health officer at the Ministry of Health.

As a milestone, the government has included suicide prevention programs in the recently updated Essential Health Services Package of Ethiopia, a document that lists the medical package of services that the government provides at health centers.

Mental health services have also gained recognition as essential donor requirements. Both local and international NGOs integrated Mental Health and Psycho-Social Service (MHPSS) interventions into their development and emergency projects.

Despite the positive strides, there are still gaps to be addressed regarding mental health awareness and suicide prevention, according to Eleni Misganaw, president of Mental Health Users Association, which was established in 2018 to ensure mental health conditions are engaged meaningfully in the country’s health care system.

“Other countries, including neighboring country Kenya, have a comprehensive suicide prevention program,” says Eleni. “That is what we are advocating for.”

The Association is working on advocacy to make sure that enough attention and funds will be allocated to treating mental illnesses. Its members are using social media to raise awareness about mental health.

It also has a platform where peers share their stories and members call each other and talk about their problems including suicidal thoughts.

Azeb Asaminew (MD), assistant professor of Psychiatry at Addis Ababa University, recognizes the efforts by such associations to play a vital role in preventing suicide or reducing the impact of suicide on families along with medical doctors.

Every clinician must be aware of assessing suicide risk, and is important for patients to talk about their struggles with suicide before the medical doctors make assumptions about it, according to Azeb.

“Some injuries are non-lethal and others can be life-endangering,” she said. “The site of the injury determines how dangerous it is.”

These ongoing efforts to prevent suicide in Ethiopia face various challenges. One of the challenges is the low number of mental health professionals in the country.

Studies show that there are about 150 psychiatrists in the country serving about 115 million people. In rural areas, it is the responsibility of Psychiatric nurses to treat patients. There is also a low number of psychologists and social workers, which require the policymakers’ attention.

The second challenge is that mental health issues are considered as taboo in Ethiopia so people don’t talk about it openly and seek medical help.

“There are still people who spend their days locked away at home not getting enough care and food,” said Eleni.

The third challenge in the country is people's preference to go to traditional or spiritual interventions fully avoiding going to a health facility.

This is where the role of social media comes into the scene. Eleni’s association and Sara use their social media platforms to create awareness about mental health and fight stigma against people struggling with mental health.

“More often people are encouraged to talk about their own problems when someone opens up in a post or a video as seen in the comment section,’ said Eleni.

Yonas Lakew (MD), a Psychiatrist based overseas, is actively working to promote awareness regarding different mental health issues through Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

He also gives medical advice and tells stories about famous people who have been affected by different mental illnesses.

Yonas believes that the awareness creation campaign is not enough to see changes in the country. Thus, he launched a campaign advocating for a hospital that provides mental health care to be built in every region.

Experts in the field advise that, in addition to medications for specific mental health conditions psychotherapy is an effective treatment option for suicidal ideation and attempts.

DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy) and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), which are types of evidence-based psychotherapies, are widely used psychotherapeutic interventions that can show promising results in preventing suicide.

Other countries including Ethiopia use hotlines in which people who have had struggles can call and get advice, as a suicide prevention mechanism.

The current hotline used in the country is 952, where people can call for any health-related tips. It has six health professionals, who have been training by WHO, giving the service through the hotline. Among them, two are psychologists who give advice related to mental health conditions including to those who have had suicidal ideation.

Mental health has gained momentum globally. In September the annual World Suicide Prevention Day is celebrated paving the way for health professionals to bring attention to suicide and its major effects on people's lives worldwide. Hashtags like ‘mental health matters’ and ‘it is okay to not be okay’ have been trending in recent years.

Professionals encourage talking openly about mental health issues and seeking help, and social media can be a powerful tool to create awareness.

Testimonies like Sara, who had three suicide attempts, are opening the eyes of the public. The light has been shed on a problem that has often been swept under the rug. People are starting to talk about the issue but signaling that there is still more to be done.

I have been back and forth with medicine so it is hard to pin point when I actually quit. However, the last time I worked as a Doctor was in 2023. Since then I have been a full time journalist and didn’t practice clinically. I am now a Doctor only by name.

There have been plenty of moments in which I have looked back at my decision and thought maybe I should get back to medicine once again. There were moments in which I picked up my text books and started reading. But I was never up to it. I was never motivated and interested to once again get back to the demanding environment of medicine.

At times I have thought working in a hospital would be more satisfying than whatever I was doing in the media landscape. But I was never able to shake the feeling and get back to that place.

Sometimes my regrets about leaving medicine were mostly brought on because I found the media landscape disappointing. When I first started in journalism I thought everything would be fun and exciting. But it is one thing to write articles after a busy day of ward duty and on weekends while it is another thing to sit at a computer all day and find an exciting story to write about. Fighting deadlines, trying to find sources who are willing to talk to you, the payment… etc- all different from doing it as a hobby.

There is a question I always get asked. “ Is journalism paying you well?” and the answer is a simple no. I didn’t choose journalism because I will get paid better. I simply chose it because I am passionate about it.

I have come to learn that maybe chasing your passion isn’t always the best course of action. There are many factors you should consider. And the other thing is just because you are passionate about something it doesn’t mean that it has to be your job.

There are many things I didn’t like about medicine but what I loved about it was my interaction with patients. Listening to their problems and offering a solution was always something I liked. And I do miss that. But I generally don’t regret my decision to quit medicine. It was just something I needed to do for my peace of mind and health.

The bad thing is there is little else you can do with a medical degree outside of practicing medicine. And the path I chose posed more problems than solutions.

But I generally don’t regret my decision. I do have moments of doubts here and there but if I had to go through what I went through again I probably arrive at the same decision.

This discovery initially made me an occasional visitor to the app. I saw various dances and funny videos, but I wasn't a big fan even when everyone else migrated to the platform during the lockdown. However, between the end of 2021 and the start of 2022, I began spending many hours on the platform. I had more free time then and was also creating football content, so I tried to learn everything about the app. What I ultimately discovered was disappointing.

I noticed that many people chose to be controversial just to go viral and remain relevant. There were unnecessary attacks toward people whom the platform deemed "out of the ordinary," and these insults usually targeted a person’s gender, ethnicity, or physical appearance. It felt like a toxic environment, so I eventually deleted my account and left.

About a year later, I returned and tried to post a few videos to help my YouTube channel grow. This time, my videos didn't get many views, but more importantly, I simply didn't enjoy having my content on the platform.

Even now, friends and relatives occasionally send me links to TikTok videos, which I reluctantly open. Almost all of this content seems hateful or designed to induce rage in the target audience. I don't understand why people allow these so-called "content creators" to make them angry all the time. It is a disappointing reflection of our current digital state.

Sometimes, I watch videos of Semere Bariaw on YouTube reacting to TikTok content. His angry reactions and bewilderment at what happens on the platform provide enough reason for me to stay away. I am simply not happy with that environment.

The other reason I avoid TikTok is that it consumes a massive amount of time—often without you even realizing it. You might sit down to watch one video, only to find yourself with a headache a few hours later, unable to remember much of what you just watched.

None of this is to say that TikTok has no benefits; it does. However, it seems like a trade-off where you give up a lot for a minimal return, especially if you are not a professional content creator.

The influence of TikTok on mental health—particularly for teenagers and young adults—is also a serious concern. A significant study published in early 2026, titled "Problematic TikTok Use Affects Anxiety, Depression, and Sleep Quality," analyzed the correlation between TikTok addiction and mental health across different generations (Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X).

According to the study, there is a direct, positive correlation between TikTok addiction scores and higher levels of anxiety, depression, and chronic sleep disturbances. Interestingly, the study noted that users who practiced even one week of "temperance" (abstinence) from the app showed measurable improvements in their mental well-being scores. Furthermore, the study found that prolonged engagement—specifically among young women—was linked to increased body dissatisfaction and diminished self-esteem due to the prevalence of "idealized" body types in the feed.

Ultimately, these are the reasons why I no longer use TikTok and why I am generally not a fan of the platform.

However, discussions on mental health should take place carefully to prevent the spread of misinformation. These conversations should be led by professionals, such as psychiatrists and psychologists. Furthermore, individuals with lived experience should have the opportunity to share their stories.

These discussions will go a long way in helping the community understand the importance of prioritizing mental health and fighting stigma.

It is not realistic to believe that all the work of treating mental health issues can be done in an outpatient department (OPD). While mental health professionals can treat patients and provide psychoeducation in a clinical setting, that hardly scratches the surface of what is needed to bring about radical change.

When continuous discussions take place, harmful societal beliefs begin to fade away, and discrimination and harmful stereotypes can be addressed. To care for the mind properly, we must also address how we think. Fostering an environment where there is a positive attitude toward mental health is vital.

Cal also authored the book Deep Work, which I highly enjoyed. The core concept of “deep work” encourages people to focus on their tasks without the distractions of phones and notifications. It argues that “shallow work”—tasks that are easily replicated—will not take you far in today’s competitive world.

I am only in the early stages of Digital Minimalism, but what I have learned so far is the importance of focusing on tools that significantly advance your goals. Minimalism, in this context, means saying “no” to technology that does not offer a substantial positive impact on your activities.

The average person scrolls through social media for two hours and checks their phone multiple times a day. This habit often prevents individuals from achieving their goals and remaining productive in their professional lives. Through digital minimalism, one can eliminate apps that offer little to no benefit while maximizing the utility of essential ones.

When Facebook was first created, its purpose was simply to allow a few college friends to view each other’s profiles; it was never intended to become the addictive force it is today. Similarly, when the iPhone was first introduced, it was advertised as a device to help individuals listen to music without needing to carry a separate phone and an iPod.

Technology has evolved to occupy our time and energy. Therefore, it is vital to regain control and use these applications as minimally as possible. Many strategies can be deployed to reduce screen time: one effective method is uninstalling non-essential apps and keeping only those we truly need. This reduces the urge to check the phone every minute.

Turning off notifications is also crucial—after all, who needs constant “buzzes” disrupting their day? It is time to take back control of your phone and your time. Digital minimalism is the way to go!