William Plange recounts healing from depression in forest

William Plange, a humanitarian and social impact advocate, has recounted his journey from battling depression to finding healing in a forest. Born and raised in Tema, Plange performed well academically but felt like a failure when his friends succeeded in their careers after high school. Living in a community where academic success was highly valued, Plange's struggles to secure employment led to depression.

In a moment of despair, Plange's colleague saw him walking and expressed concern, urging him to "get a life," which only worsened his condition as Plange had high expectations to support his family. To escape the pressure and societal expectations, Plange moved to a forest and lived there for a week. The lack of electricity and amenities, coupled with the forest's environment, allowed him to distance himself from others' successes and focus on his own healing.

Plange believes the forest environment and the absence of competition played a significant role in his recovery, as he was able to engage in activities without the pressure of societal comparison.

After his week-long stay in the forest, Plange returned to the city and started a business called 'Errand Boy.' However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 forced him to move out of his grandmother's home again, reigniting his depression. A post on LinkedIn about his forest experience, made in 2014, caught the attention of a white man who reached out to Plange, leading to international support and the creation of his 'No Human Is Useless' initiative.

Plange's experience in the forest inspired him to write a book titled 'No Human Is Useless' and to champion the cause of helping others dealing with pain and depression through advocacy and the NHiU Conference, scheduled for September 19 at the British Council, Accra.