I have observed keenly, the kind of bile Kenyans are having towards Nominated MP Sankok for what befell him.
I empathise with him during these difficult and sorrowful moments.
Sankok is in his lowest moments but the kind of bashing we have subjected him to is unacceptable, it's uncalled for.
How low can we go as a society? Violence, whether directed at others or self, is a global public health phenomenon.
We have to deal with it decisively. Mental health forms the foundation of our interventions when dealing with this phenomenon.
We have to change our attitudes, beliefs and behaviours. Our problem is jumping to conclusions after seeing only one small aspect of the whole.
Many factors would lead to the unfortunate incident like the one which befell the MP's family.
But as a society, we easily get biased and distort anything and everything without waiting to have all the facts with us. It's like our fingers are itching to comment.
By the many unwarranted comments with conclusions already, we are propagating the very foundation of all our problems- cognitive biases and distortions.
Take time, do not be quick to jump to a conclusion.
Consider all the facts supporting or against your position.
Consider the alternative ways and words of expressing yourself.
Our words influence and shape our thinking, attitude and behaviour.
There's yet another bit which all of us may not understand about the circumstances that led to the young man killing himself.
The deceased would be in the best position to explain, but he's no more.
A psychological autopsy may help but not like the information we would get from the first-person experience.
In helping our young people, we encourage them not to rush and jump to conclusions, to consider facts and evidence available for or against their feelings, thoughts or behaviour.
Not to maximise or magnify the negative events.
Not to overgeneralise or even dwell too much on being perfectionists.
How can we achieve this when as a society we are doing the exact opposite.
We need to mirror what we would like to see in our youth and children.
Lead by example, in attitude, beliefs and behaviour.
Without your quick negativity, nothing is going to burn.
But with your quick negativity, you drain the people's psychological energy and you're helping to shape a wrong attitude and behaviour in the society.
We can change the conversation- focus on positive psychology.
Enough of Sankok, let him grieve in peace.
Our focus should be on what's the way forward.
Via email
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
