I embarked on a very intentional mental health journey after I was clinically diagnosed with Depression and Acute Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in early 2020.
This followed a family breakup I suffered together with loss of income during the COVID lockdown season.
I was on the verge of depending on psychotic drugs.
But I took a different trajectory. I embarked on a journey of building a safe relationship with myself. I learned to observe my thoughts and not let them lead me away from happiness.
I sought help and resources from people who helped me learn tools for developing a healthier inner an outer self. I have remained very available, accountable and vulnerable to my close friends, family and other support systems.
In the last 3 years, I have been very courageous in speaking up about my challenges and seeking help always.
My journey has been rewarding so far. I have a better relationship with myself and my children. I am living the life of my dreams feeling power and freedom.
I am passionate about empowering men to be courageous and safe to tell their stories and plug into safe support systems for their mental well being.
Mboya Orinda
In a world where silence often overshadows the struggles men face, Scandicare stands as a beacon of change. As someone who has walked the challenging path of divorce, I understand the weight of societal expectations and the stigma attached to it. It’s time to shatter the silence surrounding men’s mental health and divorce-related challenges.
Men, too, grapple with their emotions, navigating through the aftermath of broken relationships, societal expectations, and the stigma that unfairly accompanies divorce. It’s not about placing blame; it’s about understanding that everyone has a unique journey, and the need for support knows no gender.
At Scandicare, we are committed to creating safe spaces for men to converse , share their stories, and seek the support they deserve. Our mission extends beyond mental health awareness; it’s about fostering a culture where men feel empowered to speak without judgment. No one should carry the weight of their struggles alone.
Join us in dismantling the stereotypes that confine men to silence. Let’s build a community where conversations about mental health, divorce, and life’s challenges are met with empathy and understanding. Together, we can create a world where every man feels heard, supported, and resilient in the face of adversity.
Break the silence. Speak your truth. Scandicare is here to listen.
Wahome Macharia
In many societies, there has been a historical stigma associated with mental health, which has contributed to its neglect. Efforts to promote awareness, reduce stigma, and integrate mental health into broader health and development agendas are critical steps toward fostering a more supportive and understanding environment.
It’s heartening to know that there are initiatives (such as those conducted by Scandicare) in Kenya and elsewhere to address these issues. As conversations around mental health continue to gain momentum globally, there’s hope that more resources, attention, and support will be directed towards mental health promotion and prevention. The acknowledgment of mental health as a basic human right is a powerful foundation for advocating for change and fostering a more compassionate and equitable world. This approach aligns with broader efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of life.
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of mental health is insightful and aligns with a holistic understanding of well-being. Mental health, indeed, extends beyond the absence of illness; it encompasses the ability to lead a satisfying and purposeful life, contribute to society, and effectively cope with life’s challenges. Hopefully, with continued awareness and comprehensive interventions, mental health will get the attention and support it deserves in Kenya and beyond.
An important point to note for us all; “Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.”
Disability Inclusion Advocate
Stella Waithera Jane
Scandinavian Care Organization
Blomstervegen 31B
2005 Rælingen, Norway
Phone: +47 988 66 749
ScandiCare Kenya
Po.Box 7250-01000
Thika, Kenya
Phone: +254 703 539 735
Copyright 2023 Scandinavian Care Organization
