Lupita Nyong’o is celebrated worldwide for her elegance, talent, and historic Oscar win — yet behind the glamour, the Academy Award–winning actress has openly spoken about a deeply vulnerable period in her life. Following a painful breakup and emotional exhaustion, Lupita revealed that she was “flirting with depression” — and that an unexpected companion, her cat, played a meaningful role in helping her reconnect with joy.
This article explores Lupita Nyong’o’s journey — from her Oscar triumph to her emotional struggle — and examines, from a medical and psychological perspective, why cats can have a powerful positive impact on mental health.
Lupita Nyong’o : From Breakthrough Star to Oscar Winner
Lupita Amondi Nyong’o, born on March 1, 1983, in Mexico City to Kenyan parents, grew up in Kenya before pursuing acting internationally. Her breakthrough came with her feature film debut in 12 Years a Slave(2013), directed by Steve McQueen. In this role she portrayed Patsey, an enslaved woman enduring unimaginable hardships. Her powerful, nuanced performance brought critical acclaim worldwide.
At the 86th Academy Awards in 2014, Lupita won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress — an extraordinary achievement for her first film role. She became the first Kenyan actress to win an Academy Award and only the second African actress to receive this honor, making her triumph a landmark moment in cinema.
Rather than simply riding the wave of fame, Lupita carefully shaped her career, choosing diverse and meaningful roles across genres: from science fiction and fantasy (Star Wars, Black Panther) to drama (Queen of Katwe) and horror (Us). Despite the huge boost her Oscar win delivered, she also faced pressures — including typecasting and intense public scrutiny — which she navigated thoughtfully, carving out a path that reflects both her talent and her values.
Behind the Scenes: Lupita and Emotional Struggles
Even as Lupita Nyong’o’s star continued to rise, life off-screen wasn’t always easy. After a painful breakup with her long-term partner, she found herself in a very vulnerable emotional space. During that period, she later described being “flirting with depression”, not fully immersed in clinical depression but dangerously close to it.
At one point she said, “I was really having a hard time believing in joy,” capturing how depleted she felt emotionally after the breakup. Her mother and a close friend even flew in to support her during this time when she felt deeply “super-low.”
Enter Yoyo: The Cat Who Helped Heal
Interestingly, Lupita’s encounter with cats began through her work. For the film A Quiet Place: Day One, she knew her character would have a cat, but in real life she had a long-standing fear of cats — a phobia she had to confront with what she jokingly called “cat therapy” to prepare for the role.
What began as a professional requirement soon became deeply personal. After the emotional turmoil of her breakup, she had an inner voice nudging her to “Get a cat.” Despite initial hesitation, she visited a shelter and met an orange tabby rescue cat named Yoyo. Within just a couple of days of fostering, she knew he was staying with her permanently.
Lupita has openly acknowledged that caring for Yoyo played a significant role in opening her heart back up — not just because of his affection, but because the act of caregiving gave her purpose again. In her words, “I guess the best antidote for when you feel poorly taken care of is to take care of something.”
The Science: Why Cats Can Help Mental Health
Lupita’s story is not just personal — there’s science backing up what she experienced. Research into human-animal interaction shows several key ways in which cats and other companion animals can support emotional wellbeing:
❤️ 1. Reduction in Stress and Anxiety
Petting a cat stimulates the release of oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” while reducing cortisol, the stress hormone. This biochemical change promotes calmness and can alleviate anxiety symptoms.
2. Companionship and Reduced Loneliness
Cats offer non-judgmental companionship, especially important during times of emotional distress. Their consistent presence can fill an emotional void and provide comfort when supportive humans are temporarily unavailable.
3. Established Routine and Purpose
Caring for a pet — feeding, grooming, playtime — creates structure. Routine is especially beneficial in depression, when daily rhythms can otherwise fall apart.
4. Boosts in Mood & Emotional Regulation
Even brief interactions with cats can trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters linked to pleasure and mood improvement.
5. Social Interaction and Connection
Though stereotyped as aloof, cats can help break social isolation by offering easy opportunities to engage with other pet owners or simply giving a sense of being seen and needed.
Putting It All Together: A Healing Journey
Lupita Nyong’o’s experience with Yoyo illustrates several critical points about mental health and recovery:
Active care heals: Taking responsibility for another living being can rebuild a sense of worth and agency.
Physical presence matters: The tactile and emotional comfort from a pet can meaningfully offset feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
Routine fosters stability: Depressive episodes often disrupt daily life; a pet’s needs help re-establish daily purpose.
Connection heals wounds: Even when human support systems struggle to fill emotional gaps, animals can provide comforting connection.
In Lupita’s case, her cat’s companionship was not a cure-all, but it became a powerful part of her emotional support network during a fragile period in her life.
Final Thoughts
Lupita Nyong’o’s journey — from winning an Academy Award for her powerful debut performance to navigating heartbreak and emotional strain — shows that success and struggle can coexist. Her candid reflections about nearly succumbing to depression and the unexpected solace she found in her cat Yoyo highlight an often-overlooked truth: healing can come in many forms.
Whether you’re a fan of Lupita, someone struggling emotionally, or simply curious about the therapeutic benefits of pets — her story is a reminder that compassion, care, and connection — even with a cat — can make a profound difference.
Related: https://tinselisland.com/7-cat-sleeping-position-and-what-they-really-mean/
