‘From Mental Uncertainty to Self-fulfillment’: The Kwame McPherson story

LAST YEAR, UK-born Jamaican writer, Kwame M.A. McPherson, won the Commonwealth Short Story Prize, the first Jamaican to have won this the biggest global fiction-writing competition. But, flashback to 2006. Then, he was starring in his own real-life drama, gripped by the fangs of a painful depression as a result of some business failures and not knowing who he really was.

In his 2025/2018 book, My Date with Depression – From Mental Uncertainty to Self-fulfillment, McPherson has documented his entanglement with this mental doldrum which spiralled him into a place that eventually changed his life forever, for the better. And with today being World Mental Health Day, he wants people, especially Jamaican men, to know that despite the stigma attached to mental ill-health, there is redemption, and a fulfilling life after depression.

“In 2006, I journeyed through the darkest days of my life. I had no idea how I got there, what it was I was going through or how to get out of it whilst I was in it. I had no idea how to acknowledge my emotional, physical, mental or spiritual failing state. I could not shout or scream for help or speak about the place I was in since I was never taught how to do so,” he shares in the book’s introduction.

“Naturally, the manifestation became evident in how I treated myself, doing things I wouldn’t normally do and treating others how I would never consider doing at any other rational time. My entire character altered from who I was to who I never thought I could be. Yet, it was during that time I grew mentally, emotionally and spiritually, coming to understand, accept and embrace a time which was vital in my journey, development and way to BE.”

He also says this self-published book “is dedicated to all those who are hurting and do not know it – a great, long life is still open to you”. Its chapters include What Stops Men from Asking for Help?; The Explorer in Me; The Truth: what causes depression?; Life Sucks!; Wading Through the Wilderness; Learning to Love Life, Every Day; How to Win?; An 8-Step Guide to Repairing You; and, Where I Am Today.

In the foreword, Althea Grant, lawyer and international professional speaker, among other things, says, “This book, for me, is awesome because it sets out to celebrate a real man who tackled, alone, a real big problem and chose to write about his experiences.”

In speaking with The Gleaner about going public with his story McPherson said, “I first went public in my first short story book, Deep Roots, Strong Tree (2007), where I shared about a childhood experience and the trauma that caused it. My Date With Depression came later in my adult life and, again, being a writer and storyteller, I chose to write about an experience where I was not at my best and in a place where I just wanted to share my story.

And, to question: Why do you think Jamaican men are afraid to tackle their mental ill-health, he replied, “Society has stigmatised men and boys who were/are in touch with their feelings, for a long time, and this thinking evolved over time. This thinking is promoted through music, films, articles and general interaction.

“It was well known that men (and boys) are taught that men are warriors, men are strong, men do not cry and so on. This kind of pressure caused men to internalise any pain, stress or tension, forcing them to hide their vulnerabilities or be emotive. From my standpoint, that ethos is slowly but finally changing.”

And, to what extent did his issues affect his writing? “My experience has added to my storytelling. It has enabled it to be richer because I know that for any reader to connect with a story there must be an emotional link. And, having the ability to write about my own journey and share it, makes my own writing that more engaging and authentic,” he shared with The Gleaner.

“I overcame by finding my life purpose or my life purpose finding me. It was realising and appreciating why I am here and what that looks like. The answer, when the question was asked, was that I am a storyteller and my entire being was and is about sharing and helping others tell their stories.”

McPherson did not hold back on his creative writing skills, which he employed to great effect. The segment in which he describes his trip to Ghana, Africa is as emotional as emotional gets. He is a round character himself. His pain, his joy, his anger, his joie de vivre are all imprinted on the pages.

He is an award-winning prolific writer, ‘authorpreneur’, poet, trainer, mentor and orator, who says he loves helping others to share and enjoy his life experiences and aims to empower others in this way. He has a penchant for great chocolate, is a qualified football referee, certified trainer and mentor.

“I think in order for me or us to heal, being able to share our deepest emotions, challenges or struggles, is something to celebrate and not be ashamed of. With that said, should this book assist just one man facing his own trials, then I will know I have fulfilled part of my purpose here on planet Earth,” he writes. He is on Linkd, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and the book is available on Lulu and Amazon.