10th October 2024 saw sarious institutions and organizations take the opportunity to organize various activities for the residents of Tharaka Nithi County in commemoration of World Mental Health Awareness Day.
Tharaka Nithi County Government through the Health Department and in partnership with Take Me Out Adventures organized a Mental Health Walk from Chuka Town to Chogoria Town, Maara Sub-County, which was flagged off at around 8 Am and was attended by hundreds of people who made the walk.
The Mental Awareness Walk culminated at Kairuni Special Unit, where well-wishers visited the pupils with various items, including foodstuffs.
Speaking at the Kairuni Special Unit, the Director of Take Me Out Adventures, Peris Nderitu said that the walk aimed at improving residents’ health and helping them reduce Mental stress. She also addressed the rise of Mental Health Illnesses and urged residents to open up to those close to them.
“On the walk, our main Agenda is to sensitize people about Mental Health Illnesses which are on the rise,” she said.
Agnes Maighalo, a Psychologist at Chuka University and a Community Counsellor was also present at the walk and decried the rise of Mental Health illnesses in the community adding that lack of information on Mental Health Illnesses was also a big challenge on the matter.
She also added that stigmatization of people with Mental Health Illnesses was also a big challenge in addressing mental Health.
“When someone is in a crisis it is hard for them to open up and sometimes when someone opens up we dismiss them,” she complained.
A similar event took place at Chuka University where a Mental Health Walk had been organized by the University including a Mental Health Talk prepared by the University Students Association.
Maureen Waititu, an advocate of Mental Health, was the Guest Speaker at the talk and addressed the importance of Mental Health especially in workplaces, and also urged University students to always confide in others and open up.
“I want to urge University Students that it gets better and toalways find someone to talk to. It is okay not to be okay,” she urged.
The Senior Admin Assistant at the Dean’s Office, Miriam Kanini acknowledged the importance of World Mental Health Day urging the prioritization of the same in institutions of higher learning.
“We have come together to raise awareness on Mental Health. Mental Health is of the utmost importance and we urge students to seek professional help through the office of the Dean of students when they encounter Mental Health challenges,” she concluded.
