Size 8 Encourages Kenyans Battling Depression to Seek Hope and Support

Kenyan gospel musician and ordained minister Linet Munyali, popularly known as Size 8, has shared a message of encouragement with people struggling with depression, uncertainty and overwhelming life challenges.

In a post shared with her social media followers, the singer addressed people who may be struggling to cope with difficult circumstances on their own, urging them to seek spiritual strength and support.

Size 8’s message to those feeling overwhelmed

Size 8 asked her followers whether they had reached a point where they felt exhausted, frustrated and unable to remain hopeful despite their efforts to keep their lives together.

“Are you frustrated, at your end, unable to even be hopeful in your thoughts, depressed, trying on your own to keep things together but you can’t?” she wrote.

She reminded those facing difficult seasons that they do not have to navigate life alone.

“You were never meant to do life alone.”

Size 8 points to the Holy Spirit

The minister encouraged people experiencing emotional distress to turn to the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength.

She urged her audience to seek help in rebuilding their trust in God, developing patience and hope, forgiving others and finding the strength to continue with everyday life.

“Ask the HOLY SPIRIT to help you now to trust God, to be patient, to be hopeful again, to forgive, to love, to help you keep walking, to strengthen you…..” she advised.

Size 8 also shared her personal experience of relying on her faith, describing the Holy Spirit as a source of comfort, guidance and assistance in her daily life.

“How I pray for you out there that you may come to know the person THE HOLY SPIRIT……He is indeed my comforter, my helper, my teacher and not just in prayer and reading the bible but in my day to day life, giving me the ability to do that which I cannot do on my on…..” she expressed.

Her message centred on the importance of seeking support during difficult periods rather than attempting to carry every burden alone.

Size 8’s journey from secular music to ministry

Size 8 first rose to prominence as a secular musician, gaining national recognition through songs such as “Shamba Boy.”

In April 2013, she announced that she had become born again and subsequently adopted the name Size 8 Reborn as she transitioned into gospel music.

She went on to establish herself in the gospel industry with songs including “Mateke”, while also pursuing ministry and becoming an ordained minister.

The singer has previously spoken about battling severe depression during her secular music career, despite enjoying financial success through performances and commercial endorsements.

Her personal experiences have often informed her public conversations about faith, emotional struggles and the importance of seeking help during difficult seasons.

Kenya’s mental-health challenge

Size 8’s message comes amid broader concerns about mental health in Kenya, where depression and anxiety remain significant challenges within the healthcare system.

Data cited by the Ministry of Health indicates that about 25 per cent of primary healthcare outpatients in Kenya experience mental health conditions, with depression and anxiety among the leading conditions reported.

Official clinical guidelines have also indicated that a significant proportion of patients seeking primary healthcare experience severe depression.

Health agencies have further highlighted gaps in diagnosis, treatment and access to mental-health services, with many people living with mental-health conditions remaining undiagnosed or untreated.