Supporting AdolesceYP to make healthy life choices

Pwani Youth Network to conducted a mental health workshop aimed at providing a safe space for expression, support, and learning.

Objectives of the Workshop

•  To create awareness on the importance of mental health for young creatives.
•  To provide a safe and supportive environment for participants to share personal experiences.
•  To equip participants with practical coping strategies for stress, trauma, and emotional challenges.
•  To encourage seeking help and reduce stigma around mental health issues.

The session brought together 100 participants who had been undergoing training for the past two weeks at the AR Film Production Studios, an initiative by Filamu Juani Foundation. The creatives have been learning different skills in the film industry. The participants present different mental health challenges that asked to be taken through as they were hindering effective learning and participation. The Filamu Juani team recognized this need and sought out partnership from Pwani Youth Network in order to address some of the challenges. The session was an impactful one to the participants as they responded positively hence validating the need for the session

Among the activities carried out included:

•  Ice Breaker Session

The participants were engaged in an ice breaker session where the facilitators introduced themselves and later the participants were divided into three groups from the larger group for effective session.

•  Interactive Discussions

Together with the participants, the facilitators explored common mental health challenges faced by the creatives. The participants were given a chance to air out their challenges and explored different coping mechanisms. Some of the challenges raised were:

- Family issues, especially living with toxic parents

- Unemployment, hence inability to afford basic needs

- Feeling like a failure after not achieving goals set by oneself

- Disrespect from siblings especially the younger ones

- Lack of confidence

- Negative self-image

- Coping with grief after losing parents

- Lack of self esteem

- Fatigue

- Romantic relationship issues

•  Group Sharing

Participants shared personal stories, struggles, and coping mechanisms. The participants held spaces for each other as they shared their different stories.

•  One-on-One Support

 A number of participants opted for private conversations with facilitators to discuss deeper issues, as they needed more confidentiality to discuss very personal issues.

•  Coping Strategies & Wellness Tips

The facilitators shared Practical guidance on managing stress, trauma, and seeking professional help when needed. Some of the strategies discussed included:

- Journaling – the participants were emphasized on the importance of journaling, the act of writing down one’s thoughts and emotions. This helps one be able to understand better what they are feeling and offer reliefs to an individual

- Deep breathing exercises – not only was this discussed, but also did a practical exercise with the participant for better grasp. Deep breathing helps with reducing the stress hormones and provide relief during overwhelming moments

- Talking to someone – participants were encouraged to have a trusted friend, mentor or even a counselor that they can talk to in times of stress or emotional overwhelm.

- Setting boundaries -  participants were asked to identify their boundaries and stick to them. Setting boundaries prevents one from over commitment and prevents burn out.

- Spiritual practices like praying – praying helps reduce emotional overwhelm and provides comfort. Participants were urged to practice praying especially on matters that they do not have control over. This reduces the burden and offers relief.

Key outcomes

•  High levels of engagement and openness from participants. The participants were really open; this was made possible by the facilitators through emphasizing on confidentiality at the beginning of the sessions
•  Participants expressed relief in having a safe space to talk about mental health. This significantly showed that it is important to have such talks regularly as some people do not have access to safe spaces to talk about their mental health issues
•  Some individuals shared deeply personal and painful experiences, highlighting the importance of such forums.
•  Facilitators noted the session was emotionally intense, reflecting the real need for ongoing support.
•  A great improvement in mood was noticed by the end of the sessions, with a number of participants saying they felt relieved.

Challenges

•  Some participants were emotionally overwhelmed, leading to moments of tears and breakdowns. Hence frequent poses during the sessions to hold space for the emotionally overwhelmed participants
•  Facilitators had to balance addressing group needs while supporting individuals who required one-on-one attention.
•  The depth of trauma shared highlighted the need for continued structured psychosocial support beyond a single session.
•  Lack of enough time to engage other participants that had requested one on one sessions as the session was a one-day session
•  Some participants presented issues that the facilitators were not in a position to directly offer support in such as financial issues.

Lessons learnt.

•  Safe spaces encourage openness

Participants opened up deeply when they felt heart and respected. This was made possible by the facilitators after ensuring the participants confidentiality at the beginning of the sessions. Creating a safe, non-judgmental environment is key in fostering trust

•  Mental health education is highly needed.

The participants showed eagerness to learn and understand mental health concept, showing a big knowledge gap in the community

•  Partnership strengthen impact

collaborating with Filamu Juani Foundation expanded reach, brought in creatives who might not normally have the privilege attend such sessions, and ensured relevance to the participants.

 Recommendations

•  Regular mental health check-ins for creatives and youth groups. Most of the participants requested for more sessions as they felt the time was limited
•  Offer post session check in. A follow up to check on the state of the participants and monitor whether there is improvement from the previous session.
•  Establish peer support systems within training programs.
•  Provide referral pathways for participants needing professional counseling or therapy.
•  Strengthen partnerships between creative organizations and mental health service providers. This is important in cases where the participant need more psychological care in extreme cases like depression

Emotional care for facilitators. Some of the issues presented by the participants, and especially the painful stories during one on one sessions triggered personal emotions

• Report_on_the_Mental_Health_Workshop_for_Filamu_Juani_Creatives.docx (DOCX)