Mental health disorders are increasingly becoming a threat among youths in coastal counties.
The mental health conditions affect not only the youths but an entire community and many are left with stories and experiences to share with others.
There is widening concern over mental health-related stigma in our communities with many people opting to take survivors to religious institutions and witchdoctors for failing to understand where to seek help.
In rural areas, people with mental health illnesses are seen as outcasts and community members will say they have been cursed as a punishment for their wrongdoings.
Half of the people experiencing mental health disorders delay accessing medical and psychosocial support for fear of being judged and labelled.
There is misleading information on mental health on social media with many people making jokes about such conditions.
The mental health disorders and stigma have detrimental effects on youths including withdrawal from social relationships and interaction, work, family roles and community duties at large.
Moreover, the youth starts to have low self-esteem.
Some organisations create safe spaces for youths and communities to open up on the leading causes of mental health disorders and stigma.
The safe spaces are well moderated by one champion while the other conducts observation and documents the key and pertinent issues and collects feedback on improving the social contact activities.
There is a need to enhance access to counselling, promote talks and safe spaces for community members to share and find solutions to their challenges, and finally referrals to accessing professional and medical support.
It is time to challenge mental health stigma and share correct, accurate and factual information.
For the youths to unleash their full potential, Kenyans must work round the clock to dispel mental health-related stigma.
It is possible, attainable and doable if there is goodwill.
Health champion and health care provider in Kilifi
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
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