Truphena Muthoni opens up on living with panic disorder

Kenyan environmental activist and Guinness World Record holder Truphena Muthoni has shared her personal experience living with panic disorder, describing the challenges, misconceptions, and her journey toward raising awareness.

Speaking during an interview with government spokesman Isaac Mwaura on Tuesday night, February 3, 2026, Muthoni opened up about how the disorder has affected her life and why she chose to speak publicly about it.

“Yes, I’m a mental health survivor and also living with panic disorder. So it’s also a personal story.” Muthoni said.

She explained that panic disorder does not always have a specific reason and can appear unexpectedly.

“Anyone can panic anytime, but it becomes medically a disorder when it persists, like for years, and then, yeah, you’re diagnosed,” she added.

She described the physical manifestations of a panic attack: “You can sweat, drop things, or feel overwhelming fear.”

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), panic disorder is a mental health condition characterised by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks – sudden periods of intense fear that peak within minutes. People with the disorder may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and overwhelming anxiety.

Unlike normal panic, these attacks occur frequently, can happen without warning, and may significantly interfere with daily life.

Turning experience into advocacy

Muthoni first highlighted her mental health journey during her 48-hour continuous tree-hugging Guinness World Record attempt, which she dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mental well-being.

She emphasised that her experience with panic disorder has taught her resilience and the need for compassion, both for herself and others facing similar challenges.

“Living with panic disorder doesn’t define me, but sharing my story helps others feel less alone and encourages them to seek help,” she noted.

After the 48-hour event, Muthoni noted that she pursued the 72-hour tree-hugging awareness campaign with a different focus.

“I had a different message that I needed people to get… it was about indigenous forests and indigenous peoples,” she said, noting that the campaign coincided with the CUP30 climate talks in Brazil.

Muthoni emphasised the importance of speaking openly about mental health. “It’s just a disorder… but sharing it allows people to understand and not feel alone,” she said.

You might also like

Mental Wellness

Gikomba Market fire: How to cope with the emotional impact of losing your business overnight 

Mental Wellness

The mental health burden of perfectionism