As a champion of mental health, and one who suffered a traumatic experience in her university days, the spouse of the Deputy President, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi is worried that Africa is yet to embrace mental health as an issue affecting many in the society.
Speaking to students from eight universities and colleges who gathered at the Daystar University in Nairobi on Tuesday, Pastor Dorcas expressed concern that most family members could not tell apart when their relative was suffering a mental health disorder.
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“Our culture in Africa has not appreciated matters mental health. Therefore, when you find a quarrelling mother, an angry parent, a shouting sister, all we say is they are mad and we give excuses saying that those people have no redemption, but we do not think deeper about their actions,” said Pastor Dorcas.
The students were from Daystar, KEMU, Cooperative, Tangaza, University of Nairobi, Technical, Nexford, and Catholic universities and colleges.
“I maybe the second lady in the Republic of Kenya, but I can tell you, at one time and one point when I was in Kenyatta University, and because of circumstances at home I was also affected mentally. Mental health is real,” said Pastor Dorcas.
She emphasized to the students, “When not okay, it is still okay. But always find someone to talk to.” Pastor Dorcas spoke passionately about turning a sour circumstance in life and making it sweet.
She referenced the stories shared during the forum, where many confessed to having overcome traumatic experiences that would have resulted to depression, suicide and deaths.
That condition of mental health can become your platform to help others as we have heard today,” she said.
CEO of My Afya Africa, Nancy Kihara, that organized the forum said that mental health cuts across all in society, and the forum was an opportunity to support the cause of mental health.
“A family makes a society, and we must bring up strong families to have strong communities. We have seen university students facing many challenges and they experiment a lot, making such mental health forums of great urgency,” said Ms Kihara.
Jackline Ruguru who narrated of suffering mental health issues, using bhang and suffering the bipolar disorder narrated in great detail her days in primary, secondary schools and work life illustrating the dangers of mental health challenges.
“Mental health is a disease and condition like any other. It was through the support system of my employer, my Bishop and parents that I restructured my life system to become whom I am today,” said Ruguru, who almost took her life through poisoning.
Present during the forum were representatives from the Ministry of Education.
Michael Kioko of the State Department of Basic Education appreciated the forum for using innovative and creative ways to speak to mental health.
“I appreciate this innovative summit for the outside the box and creative methods they have used through art, dance and skits to demonstrate mental health to university students,” said Mr Kioko.
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John Ngogo from the ministry added that students at the university were facing a myriad of challenges, and such conversations would benefit them, and make them ambassadors for mental health.
Daystar University DVC, Prof. Faith Nguru appreciated the partnerships of the different stakeholders in addressing the mental health issue among students.
