Unlocking mental health: understanding triggers, finding strength and discovering support
In a world fraught with complexity and challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately one in eight individuals globally experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives.
With the power to impact individuals, families, and societies as a whole, the need for understanding and support is ever-pressing. Indeed, achieving and maintaining good mental health is fundamental to our ability to connect, function, cope, and ultimately thrive as a species.
Against this backdrop, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and support organizations all have a vital role to play in addressing the complex and nuanced concerns surrounding mental health.
Recognizing this critical need, the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) hosted a groundbreaking mental health talk on the 20th of May. The forum was a place for candid conversations and a deep exploration of the most pertinent issues and mitigation measures.
Leading the conversation with her natural wit and infectious charisma, Sharon Mbugua, a noted podcaster, and sought-after mental health advisor, illuminated the fact that mental health conditions can take many forms, from anxiety and depression to addiction and beyond. Boldly, she set the stage for a wide-ranging, courageous, and frank discussion that left no stone unturned.
As the conversation progressed, Patience Nyange, Executive Director of AMWIK, made a profound observation that mental health conditions can be triggered by life events and can arise in any setting, be it school, work, or even in the comfort of our own homes. Drawing on her extensive experience in the field, she emphasized the importance of seeking professional assistance and guidance in combating mental health challenges.
“Our workplaces, schools, and our own homes become settings where mental health arises. Individuals can turn to mental health clinics for professional assistance and guidance. Online platforms provide resources with information on coping strategies as well.” She stressed
Chebet Birir, a distinguished mental health advocate, shared her deeply personal story of battling postpartum depression in the wake of her first child’s birth. She passionately explained how early intervention and subsequent treatment paved the way for her complete recovery. Her powerful testimony underscored the critical importance of not only recognizing but also responding to mental health concerns in a timely and effective manner.
“People around me didn’t know what I was going through. Couldn’t take care of myself or my baby. My family recognized the symptoms and they were at the forefront when I sought help. I got treated, my health was recovered and I got back to normalcy.” she recalled.
In concluding the conversation, Sharon Mbugua called upon society as a whole to destigmatize mental health challenges, creating a nurturing and compassionate environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking help. Importantly, allocating resources to promote awareness is a crucial step toward fostering understanding and providing supportive environments where individuals can hope, heal, and thrive.
All in all, the recent mental health talk hosted by AMWIK was a remarkable call to action, an inspiring testament to human resilience, and a powerful reminder of the incredible strides society can make toward promoting good mental health.
Article by Priscilla Kaigai- AMWIK Member
