A day after talking about mental health amongst health care professionals on @CNN @FWhitfield, my own colleague committed suicide.

A day later, it was my birthday.

On my birthday, people eerily wished me a "happy" birthday.

A thread on how we normalized suffering.

1 I smiled for the video calls with my friends and then wailed on my couch while listening to the last voicemail and text interaction with my colleague.

I put makeup on to look good for my friends, only to cry & mess it all up within seconds. 2

@SupreetiBehuria @iamGelilabekele

Africans in the diaspora:
Everyone will tell you they want to be buried in Africa but fail to discuss end of life care.

A thread & Public Service Announcement- a story & lesson after caring for my Nigerian friend's father (now recovered)! 1

@DrSenait @fitsumaregaa @TayeAtske For years I have been speaking out about the need for us to have difficult conversations with our parents about the type of care they would want in emergency situations. Because of cultural differences & taboo topics, these conversations can be especially difficult for Africans 2

This is a thread, and Public Service Announcement- It might help you save a life (even your own).

Exactly a year ago, my cousins Rediet and Bereket were driving our uncle Seife to the airport. My uncle Seife spent his vacation in Ethiopia with his wife and kids. (1/12) They were headed to the airport to return to Germany. His wife and kids were in another car.
At the airport, all arrived except for Seife, Rediet and Bereket. No one picked up the phone despite many calls. (2/12)