Flaqo opens up on how creatives may mistake depression for mind blocks

Comedian Erastus Ayieko Otieno, alias Flaqo, has opened up about the complex relationship between depression and creativity blocks, explaining that for many creatives, it can be difficult to tell the two apart.

Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Saturday, August 9, 2025, Flaqo revealed that he has gone through phases that he initially thought were depression, but later realised were actually creative blocks.

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He shared that sometimes the pressures of fame and the entertainment industry can lead to feelings of wanting to step back and reassess one’s career path.

“About depression and such, I have been through phases that felt like depression, but some of them were not really depression; they were creativity blocks. Sometimes, depression has happened to me, but other times it is just a creative block,” he said.

Flaqo explained that these creative blocks often feel like depression, but they are distinct, and understanding the difference is crucial.

He noted that there are times when creatives simply do not want to engage with the demands of their public personas or their craft, and that this can be mistaken for depression.

However, Flaqo insisted that in such moments, what they are really experiencing is a creative slump rather than a clinical depressive episode.

“Sometimes, you simply do not want anything to do with fame, and you want to go back to chasing your career,” Flaqo said.

The comedian stressed the importance of taking breaks when necessary, advising creatives to do so unapologetically.

According to Flaqo, preserving mental health should always be the priority, even if it means stepping away from the spotlight temporarily. He cautioned that pushing oneself to the limits without rest can lead to serious mental health consequences and burnout.

“One thing I have learnt is that when you need to take a break as a creative, take that break unapologetically. There is no point in breaking your back only to realise your mental health suffers. It is not funny,” Flaqo added.

Reflecting on his own background, Flaqo shared that he studied public health and that he sometimes thinks about returning to that profession.

However, he said that at times, taking breaks when he feels that his mind is clogged is what helps him and urged creatives to always put themselves first.

“By the way, I studied public health in school. Sometimes I think about that and feel like I could go back to wearing those white coats,” he added.

Creative industry

In the same interview, Flaqo also expressed admiration for how the entertainment industry has evolved over the years.

He noted that it has become increasingly competitive and creatively vibrant, a thing he said is by far very inspiring.

“I am really happy about how the industry is becoming more competitive and how people are getting more creative. It is truly inspiring because six years ago, it was not like this.”