College principal shares mental health battle

Lydia Houghton  |  People
Date posted:  11 May 2026
Share Add       
College principal shares mental health battle

Caleb Nyanni

Please note: This article contains reference to suicide.

Waverley Abbey's new College Principal has urged the church to offer better support during Mental Health Awareness Week (11–17 May), choosing to speak openly about his own mental health battles.

Caleb Nyanni described experiencing an "intense" period of depression as a student living in Birmingham, while holding leadership roles at an Elim congregation, volunteering in schools and completing a theology degree. Nyanni believes that "the expectations attached to being a male, Christian leader isolated him" and drove him "close to suicide during the early 2000s".

Share
< Previous article| People| Next article >
Read more articles on:   depression  /  mental health  /  testimony
Read more articles by Lydia Houghton >>
UK & Ireland
Liberal CofE motion 'may pass'

Liberal CofE motion 'may pass'

Ros Clarke, acting Director of evangelical Anglican organisation the Church Society, speaks to en's Lydia Houghton about the …

Comment
Why are we drawn to stories of self-sacrifice?

Why are we drawn to stories of self-sacrifice?

This article contains spoilers!Okay, I had to put the disclaimer because it's true – this article does contain spoilers. …

Subscribe

Enjoy our monthly paper and full online access for just £40/year

Find out more

Need to advertise?

We can help you reach Christians across the country

Find out more