PUBLIC AWARENESS
There Is Need For Holistic Wellness Knowledge In Public Mental Health Awareness
By Wangari V.A.L. I May 16, 2023 I 7 – 10 minutes read
“My dear friend, I hope everything is going happily with you and that you are as well physically as you are spiritually” (3 John 1:2).
Image: Family Sunset Walk/Internet
PREAMBLE: 15th to 21st of May 2023 is the Mental Health Awareness Week hosted across the globe under the theme ‘Anxiety or ‘Just Anxiety?’ The week increases public understanding of mental health, how mental health problems can be identified, prevented, and managed. It is also a way to keep mental health in public conversations, often not spoken about. ‘Just Anxiety?’: Anxiety is a common feeling that sometimes gets out of control. Positively, anxiety can be a tool for growth.
Messaging With Audience Goals
There is great significance in public knowledge on mental health. According to the CDC, there are more than 200 types of mental illness. Further, “mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices”.
It is important for mental health advocates to understand how difficult it is to convince audiences with the choice of messaging that, “not being okay is okay.” A mantra popularised by mental health benefactors. What outcomes are expected; the goals of the messaging? That is, if the beneficiaries should believe that good things will come of it. “My friend …you are as well physically as you are spiritually” (3 John 1:2).
Mental health is not a component of human health in existence singularly; it contributes to and is a component of overall wellness. You and I as the audience, the beneficiaries, as part of dignified living, would gain from more comprehensive knowledge in awareness messaging. Covering prevention, mitigation and management, including acknowledgement, compassion, and support for families and caregivers.
Information on Mental Health Amplifiers
Awareness information, education, and communication received from the researchers, practitioners, governments, and benefactors should be holistic, not piece-meal;. “Just as the whole makes the components healthier, for overall wellness, so do the components”.
For the public in Kenya, it is necessary to present mental health content in engaging, educative, and effective ways. Ways that are comprehensive; accessible, authentic, and authoritative. A variety of interesting media methods exist today, including through digital channels.
“Emotions are a non-discretionary part of every human being; however, unlike intellect, we’ve mostly left their development to chance”.
– Emotions-Centred Coaching, School of Emotions
What amplifies mental health, and what amplifies mental illness? Is nutrition a contributor? What happens when there is ‘continued bathing’ in the thoughts of emotionally draining, stressful, and traumatic occurrences? So what when such occurrences are not digested properly? Does this shorten life? Does this shrink the quality and quantity of life?
Where is help found? How can one determine whether it is the right help? There are more questions than answers on the public front. That is why comprehensive mental health awareness is important to the nation.
A Functional Nation
What is at risk as a nation? Is it desirable to be a nation with citizens who are cognitively functional, with cellular health, and who are productive? How do we achieve this through the right fit of mental health knowledge?
‘Nasikia siko fiti.’ How the exhaustion that is experienced physically is phrased. While in actuality, this is an unintended cover up. When not addressed and over long periods of time, this leads to scars. Through a deeper emotional, psychological and social dysfunction spin.
The following indicators may take over the person; sleep disturbances, brain fog, decreased libido, social isolation, weight gain and loss, and values-behaviour conflict. Women in their reproductive years may manifest with; irregular menses, dysfunctional bleeding, and sadly, miscarriages, early child loss or birth complications.
Oftentimes there is lack of awareness and no language to express the crippling mental fatigue. Self awareness is a journey
Self Discovery Journey
All people are on a journey of self discovery. Many unconsciously and some consciously strive for wellness. Improving mental health outcomes is possible. Through personal self care, positive comradeship, and access to wellness therapists. Societal factors including a favorable socio-economic environment lead to a happier, healthier, and harmonious population.
A refreshing night’s sleep, clear thinking, healthy sexual desire, good appetite, and spiritual fitness are desirable. To achieve this, broadening public knowledge on mental health is required. Including how to spot, avoid, and treat problems. This is achievable by keeping the subject of mental health in the open. Awareness with holistic wellness knowledge for the public.
Read: Mental Health For Women In The Media In Kenya: The Positive Psychology Character Strengths Advantage By Wangari V.A.L.
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Reposted: For activating minds at mastermind.co.ke. The writer Wangari V.A.L. is an Innovations Specialist; promotes collaborative practices, writes about society, and is in new media design. Learn more.
Wangari Kabiru is an Innovations Specialist; promotes collaborative practices, enjoys game design thinking and writes about society, and is in new media design. Is a Gen Z and Alpha Character Strengths Character Coach (PPAK – ACC Level 1). Convenor at WASILIANAHUB, a Tech-Justice innovation, Learning Community of Mediators, and Women In Mediation Leadership (WIML). To find a Mediator in Kenya, and Articles as first posted in the Mediation and Dispute Resolution (MDR) blog: wasilianahubmediators.co.ke.
