Yenukwa Kombian
Yenukwa (“Nuke”) is one of three co-founders of the Kings of Hearts. You can find him pretty much at every event online or in-person. He brings to the community a TON of wisdom, attitude (in all the best ways haha), and passion that is unmatched for men’s mental health and wellness.
Take a moment out of your day to connect with Yenukwa here through his words, thoughts, reflections, and wisdom.
Yenukwa, tell us about your mental health story. How did it start and what does that look like now?
My first girlfriend had a chemical imbalance that affected her well-being (and mental health). She was on medication (on and off) during our 3 yr relationship. Looking back I was either oblivious to what she was going through, she masked it very well from me, and or the meds she was on were highly effective. Regardless, I had a glimpse at what mental health could look like.
I took kinesiology as my undergrad; I had a fascination with sports psychology. I knew how important the mental side of sports was from conditioning & training to pre & post-game, to recovery & rehab. I understood all that and respected it. HOWEVER, it did not fully land until FEB 2015. My conscious mental health journey did not officially start until a romantic breakup rocked me to the core. Desiring to be proactive, and not repeat former (unhealthy) coping mechanisms. I sought professionals immediately. At the time I spoke with my pastor once a week for almost 2 years, and I also saw a psychologist for 6 months (weekly at first then biweekly). Both were monumental in my healing & recovery.
My mental health journey looks as bright as it has ever been! I have a strong respect and admiration for preventative mental health practices & routines. And I yearn to be an advocate to anyone (specifically men) who needs support/tools/and or resources to help them navigate through whatever they're dealing with.
What are a few men's mental health stigmas you have had to reimagine along the way?
Mental health affects EVERYONE .. not only "adults" or older people (individuals older than me at the time).
Mental health is different from mental illness.
If you have anything mentally wrong or unstable with you you're less then.
Scenario: A man in your life is struggling with his mental health (emotional storm, spiralling downwards, stuck, etc.), what three simple actionables would you offer him to support him through this?
1. Be proactive and seek professional help
2. For a week or so take inventory of who (family, friends, colleagues, etc) and what (all forms of media, pop culture, etc) triggers you; then look to make conscious healthy proactive changes to course-correct
3. Implement new routines and structures into your day (3 internal & 3 external)
Define a healthy conscious version of masculinity.
A man who is confident in his skin, and is sensitive to his environment. He is very in touch with his feminine side. He can embody and exclude king, warrior, magician, and lover energy when the situation calls for it. And when he errors (for whatever reason) he can humble himself seeking forgiveness and ways to be better for next time.
Who are current role models/mentors/inspirations? Choose one male and one female. How have they impacted your life?
Jesus is always a consistent role model for me. His servant-like attitude. His playful demeanor & attitude. His ability to constantly express his full range of emotions. His willingness to sit and lovingly engage with anyone regardless of age, background, skin color, education, social status. The belief, hope, and vision he consistently painted. And his consistency to execute regardless of emotion. These are all factors that have impacted my life.
My sister, Hawa, is another role model. She is smart, driven, convicted, highly educated (in her field), tenacious, and a leader. She has always been a consistent soundboard allowing me to bounce ideas off of her. She calls me out on my BS, and or when I need correction. She is not afraid to tell me what I need to hear. She is thoughtful, kind, sincere, very well-spoken, and a team player. These attributes and others have been paramount in shaping me into the man you see before.
Make sure you follow along Yenukwa’s journey on Instagram at @yjkking
