Embracing Mental Wellness: Reflections from the Zetech University Mental Health Talk

⭐️Embracing Mental Wellness: Reflections from the Zetech University Mental Health Talk

Today, I had the pleasure of attending a mental health awareness event at Zetech University, organized by the Zetech University UNESCO Club. The session was facilitated by Naila Chebet Koech from Stowelink Foundation , and it proved to be a powerful and eye-opening experience. As a mental health advocate, I found the talk to be not only engaging and informative but also deeply interactive, particularly during the group discussions. The knowledge shared in the forum provided valuable insights into various aspects of mental wellbeing, and I left with a renewed commitment to advocating for mental health.

Key Takeaways from the Forum

The talk covered a range of essential topics, including the foundations of mental wellbeing, the different types of mental health conditions, strategies for preventing mental health challenges, and ways to manage existing conditions. One important revelation was the fact that some mental health conditions can indeed be prevented, particularly those that are not inherited. However, the most impactful part of the session was the discussion on breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, during which I had the opportunity to facilitate a group discussion.

Here are some key insights I shared that sparked lively debates and thoughtful contributions:

🔸1. Building Strong Social Networks and Support Systems

Having a reliable support network is crucial for mental wellness. Building and maintaining relationships with friends, family, and community members provides a foundation of emotional support that can help individuals navigate life's challenges.

🔸2. Maintaining a Balanced Life

With October being Mental Health Awareness Month, the focus on workplace wellness is timely. It's important to develop healthy coping mechanisms that allow for a balanced life. There's a significant difference between simply having coping mechanisms and adopting healthy ones—while the former may include harmful habits, the latter involves constructive practices like mindfulness, exercise, and relaxation.

🔸3. Self-Awareness

Developing self-awareness involves staying present and regularly checking in with oneself. Being attuned to your thoughts and emotions can help detect subtle changes in mental wellbeing. I encouraged the audience to make it a habit to ask themselves, "How am I feeling right now?" This practice fosters emotional awareness and can be a valuable tool for early intervention.

🔸4. Redefining "Normal"

We need to challenge the conventional understanding of what it means to be "normal." Instead of viewing emotional struggles as abnormal or wrong, we should acknowledge that fluctuations in mental health are a natural part of life. Things don't always go our way, and that's okay. Normalizing this understanding can help reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek help without shame.

🔸5. Redefine what it means to be 'STRONG'

The group discussion became particularly animated when we explored the idea of redefining strength. Many people equate strength with the ability to push through adversity without showing vulnerability. However, I argued that hiding one's vulnerability doesn’t mean being strong—it just means being good at hiding. True strength involves embracing vulnerability and recognizing it as a part of the human experience. While some participants expressed concern that showing vulnerability might lead others to take advantage of them, I emphasized that being open about one’s emotions can actually foster deeper connections and mutual support.

Discovering Mental Health First Aid

A concept I found especially enlightening was mental health first aid, which includes approaches like RARE (Recognize, Attend, Refer, Evaluate) and ALGEE (Approach, Listen non-judgmentally, Give reassurance, Encourage professional help, Encourage self-help and other support systems). Learning about these frameworks emphasized the importance of equipping ourselves with skills to provide immediate support to someone experiencing a mental health crisis.

Attending this talk was a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to educate ourselves about mental health and actively participate in breaking down the stigma associated with it. As we continue to drive the theme of mental health awareness throughout October, let's remember to prioritize workplace wellness, embrace vulnerability, and support each other in our mental wellness journeys. Together, we can create a culture that fosters openness, acceptance, and resilience.

#MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealth #MentalHealthStigma #HealingConversations