Urban Eatery and Kenyan Wall Street are set to use Movember to spotlight men’s mental health, with depression at the centre of a #UrbanHealth event scheduled for November 29 at Delta Corner.
The evening gathering is meant to bring Kenyans together for a conversation that encourages men to speak openly about their health experiences, including discussions with health care professionals. The organisers frame the session as part of a wider effort to break the silence around mental health issues that often go untreated.
The campaign also leans into the familiar Movember theme of moustaches and beards as symbols of awareness. In this case, the focus is not style for its own sake, but using the month to draw attention to depression and the barriers that keep many men from seeking help.
Women are also being urged to show up and support the cause by encouraging the men in their lives to talk about mental health. The organisers say even a small gesture of support can help men navigate the period more openly.
The article notes that men suffer from depression just like women, but often do not act on it. It adds that depression can present differently in men, which means it may go unnoticed and undiagnosed.
Among the coping behaviours listed are escapist habits such as spending excessive time at work or on sports, alcohol or substance abuse, controlling, violent or abusive behaviour, irritability or inappropriate anger, and risky conduct such as reckless driving.
Those who want to attend the #UrbanHealth evening session are asked to RSVP at a cost of KES2,000. Guests will receive cocktails and bitings, and the proceeds will go to Eden Rehabilitation Centre.
