Support Mental Health Care & Psychosocial Support

The School Mental Health Literacy Project has provided our team with an opportunity to implement community-based mental health care and psychosocial support synchronously within the school community. During this period, our project has directly impacted 197 people, including 48 individuals (24%) under the age of 25.

As part of our general operations, trained elderly women, who we refer to as Wisdom&Wellness Counselors, administer the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9). This clinical assessment is used to screen for, diagnose, monitor, and measure the severity of depression. The PHQ-9 consists of nine questions, each corresponding to one of the criteria for diagnosing depressive disorders according to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Notably, six individuals responded to the final question by indicating they had thoughts of being better off dead or of hurting themselves in some way. In addition to these questions, the counselors also inquire about the difficulties these issues pose in managing work, home responsibilities, and relationships. 44% of participants indicated that their challenges ranged from 'somewhat difficult' to 'extremely difficult.'

As we continue to advance our interventions, we recognize that our efforts have only begun to address the broader needs. Although our primary focus remains on school and community-based interventions, we acknowledge that these methods do not reach the majority of those in need. Consequently, we are exploring ways to enhance our strategy by promoting the sharing of tools and resources that empower individuals to manage their mental health more effectively.

Significant strides have been made in addressing mental health awareness and support within communities and schools. The initiative successfully reached 152 individuals through community-based interventions, focusing on direct mental health support and awareness of mental health issues. A pivotal development has been the formation of a wellness club by students at Mashujaaa Secondary School. With support from the teachers and TEWWY, this club has crafted an action plan aimed at promoting mental health awareness among students at Mashujaaa and surrounding schools. Their planning efforts include organizing a multi-school concert, engaging in community service projects, and implementing various school-based initiatives, including contemplative practices, all designed to foster a supportive environment for mental health among students and teachers.

Continued collaboration with the public sector and the engagement of individuals in community interventions mark a significant step towards a more mental health-aware society. The initiatives of the student-led wellness club demonstrate an increased awareness and proactive approach among youth regarding mental health issues. The club's fundraising efforts are crucial for the execution of their planned activities, which are expected to extend the reach of mental health awareness beyond the immediate community. This has set a precedent for similar initiatives, highlighting the growing commitment to mental health and psychosocial support in communities and educational settings.