This archive report was first published on 18 July 2021.
On a recent visit to Nakuru County, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of mental health issues on individuals and families. An NGO was hosting an activity to raise awareness about psychiatric disorders, and the stories shared by attendees left me deeply moved.
What struck me was the subtlety of these disorders, which can be a nightmare to live with. People with mental illnesses often struggle to gather the strength to live a normal life, while dealing with the judgment and stigma that comes with their condition.
As I listened to the stories, I realized that mental health issues are a generational chain of unhealed traumas, wrecked souls, and forced smiles. The worst part is that it's often overlooked, with people turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse and escapism.
Take the case of Caroline Kangogo, whose suicide note highlighted the devastating impact of depression. Her story is a stark reminder of the need to break the silence surrounding mental health.
As someone who has experienced mental illness firsthand, I believe that we need to create safe spaces for everyone to heal. We must acknowledge the elephant in the room and have open conversations about mental health, rather than judging and whispering behind closed doors.
It's time for us to take mental health seriously, just like any other killer disease. By doing so, we can help victims heal and break the cycle of stigma and shame.
Njura Ivy, a second-year student at Maseno University, is a mentee of the U.S-sponsored mentorship programme by the International Association of Women in Radio and Television.
