A recap of UjuziHub, mental health panel discussion

The mental health panel discussion was part of the health series under the UjuziHub Program. It took place from 19th to 22nd September. This event brought together young people from AIESEC in Moi, Kenya and AIESEC in Calabar, Nigeria.

The speakers were:

• Tracy Lumbasi, from Ukoo (Believe Mental Health Care)

• Sarah Namegabe, a Counselling Psychologist

• Gladwell Chepkoech, a Psychologist from Palm Tree House Wellness Centre

• Sct. Kennedy Orezime, a Social and Digital Entrepreneur

• Elizabeth Ita, Founder of Stilt NG

• Sheila Uvet, a Psychologist and Therapist

• Hildah Kisonok, from Hopewell Foundation

• Simon Odera, from Q-Initiative

• Sharon Cherop, a Psychologist from Palm Tree House Wellness Centre

• Uju Onuorah, a Nutritionist

• Maryanne Waruguru, a Counselling Psychologist

DAY 1

Topic 1: Memes; a love language or hate language?

On this day, we discovered that as much as memes make us laugh, they also hurt our feelings. With the increase in dark humour, more and more people get affected emotionally. We got to ask;

• Are the Gen-Z a generation hiding behind memes?

• The ridicule of the economic status of a country is a sign of deteriorating mental health. A coping mechanism or just fun?

• How far is far when it comes to memes?

• How do memes affect our perception of life?

• Twitter wars and what they speak concerning the mental state of the nation.

• How does the meme culture translate into a love language without necessarily overriding the essence of effective communication, particularly among friends or lovers?

In Kenya, we have witnessed twitter trends that are orchestrated to hurt a specific group of people or individuals, which has caused adverse effects on the victims.

Take away : We all need to extend some grace online.

Day 2

Topic 2: Tangoes of Leadership: Not Getting Lost in the Flurry

Leaders are people who carry the vision. As young leaders in AIESEC, we are affected by stereotypes imposed on us, burnouts due to overworking and imposter syndrome . We got to answer these questions;

• What are the perceptions of leadership inhibiting mental wellness for youth leaders?

• How do I tell if I’m obsessive about success or have a growth mindset?

• How do the youth leaders not let societal expectations of leadership impound their mental health?

• How can the growth mindset upset mental balance?

• What should failure look like for a youth leader, considering they do not fall into self-criticism?

• Finding balance: How is it done? Can balance truly be achieved?

• With close reference to the different leadership styles, in what ways do you feel they contribute to better mental health capacity and at what stages of mental-drain is it essential to shift one’s leadership style?

• How, as a youth leaders, can we know when it’s time to take a rest? And how, considering inclination to habits, can we draw ourselves out of our heads in the case where we are still adamant on formulating solutions despite mental burnout

Key takeaways:

• Do not set unrealistic boundaries

• Have people who support you

• Set boundaries

• Learn to say no

Day 3

Topic 3: Am I Overreacting? Dive into Mental Health Disorders Affecting the Youth

We felt the most impact on this day as people got professional responses to these questions.

• Which psychological disorders, in your opinion, are predominantly affecting the youth?

• What can brings about environments and psychological disorders?

• Autistic and introverted people: what’s the difference?

• How do I know I overreacted as a youth constantly bogged down by anxiety?

• In an era of grey ticks and hiding status views, how do we not fall prey to developing anxiety, particularly for couples in relationships?

• I am bipolar, and I don’t want to take meds. How do I live an everyday life without negatively impacting social relations? Any special tools I may use?

Day 4

Motion: Depression is an All-Human Thing, not a Gender Thing

Nigeria and Kenya locked horns to debate the motion. Nigeria was proposing while Kenya was opposing. At the end of the debate, we focused on lessons to draw from the discussion.

Our outstanding panellists gave remarks on the following issues:

• Is depression a human or gender issue?

• Regarding gender being a factor that leads to depression, what key issues can a person notice to help them know they are heading to or are depressed?

• People continuously realise themselves, how do I help a friend struggling with their identity or trying to come out?

• The 21st Century has seen men and women exchange, intertwine and ultimately live in different roles as opposed to our parents’ time. How can a person feel comfortable doing things differently? Are there tools and instruments that can help with this?

• Kenya and Nigeria are still young in accepting gender roles. How can we, as the youth, be more vigilant in the conversations and actions toward gender identity, roles and norms?

• Acceptance vs stigma >Hot takes about gender and how to be accommodative of differences?

• I am afraid to come out. Are there spaces and platforms that I can join to help feel more accommodated and supported?

Key takeaways:

• Do not be afraid to seek help

• Your mental health should come first

• Let us extend grace to each other

• Let us take time to understand mental health and all its dynamics.

The Mental Health Panel Discussion was a success, assisting young people in understanding and overcoming some of the issues that affect them in Nigeria and Kenya. Ujuzihub will continue to touch people’s lives in the coming weeks. Don't miss out on the next series!

Your Mental Health Matters