By Ms. Zina Nguru

The Counseling Center in conjunction with a student-led Bipolar awareness event planning committee and the Metrocare Clinic, organized a bipolar awareness initiative themed; Bipolar: Beyond the Label; Building Bridges of Understanding. With both physical and online attendance options, the event served as a commemoration of the World Bipolar Day.

World Bipolar Day is observed every March 30 on the birthday of the famous Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh, one of the most influential artists in the history of western art who was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder. World Bipolar Day, which has been marked from the year 2014, provides the much-needed opportunity to raise awareness worldwide on the condition and to work to eliminate social stigma whilst providing information to educate and help people understand the condition better.

The event kicked off with opening remarks from Dr. Victor Boiyo, Deputy Vice Chancellor Student Life, who highlighted the importance of mental health and mental health awareness initiatives such as this one in solving the puzzle of mental health issues amongst young people at the University. The event also featured a talk on Bipolar Disorder by Dr. Stephen Lesanjo, a Psychiatrist, followed by an engaging panel discussion. The panelists featured two students sharing their lived experience with bipolar disorder, two caregivers of persons with bipolar disorder and experts among them; Ms. Elizabeth Wanjiku, Principal Officer Disability and Inclusion, Ms. Lydia Winda, Senior University Counselor and Dr. Stephen Lesanjo, Psychiatrist. The panel discussion which was moderated by Ms. Adolphine Nyandoro, one of the Senior University Counselors, guided the panelists on sharing their experiences both personal and professional. The audience (both physical and online) were not left behind as they were also actively engaged in asking candid questions on the subject matter.

The event also featured a presentation by Tranquil Med Center, a private level four mental health institution that offers a wide array of services. Mr. Boniface Salala, the Lead Hospital Psychologist at Tranquil highlighted the organization and the services that they offer such as occupational therapy, psychotherapy, addiction therapy, psychiatric services among other services. The event was well appreciated if not much needed, with a section of attendees stating that they were grateful to have attended the event because they were able to gain understanding of the disorder and from different perspectives, they also appreciated the variety of panelists as well.

The event served as a poignant reminder of the importance of intentionally taking care of one’s mental health through stress management, the need for having adequate sleep, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, understanding the various mental health illnesses (such as bipolar disorder) and their management and above all the important role of community support in tackling mental health concerns.