By Zina Nguru

On May 27-29, the Counseling Department in collaboration with Inuka Nami Foundation held the second edition of Mental Health Awareness week. This drive was organized to commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month, which is observed globally each year in May.

Held on campus, this three-day event featured a variety of themed activities, intentionally crafted to foster mental wellbeing and harmony both on an individual and community level. All engagements were in line with this year’s theme titled “Community: Turning Awareness into Action!” Some of the key activities included, de-stress board games, a guided community yoga session, and an open mic night session where talented performers shared their mental health experiences through songs, dances, poetry and storytelling.

Giving her keynote address during the open mic night session, Ms. Lydia Winda, a Senior University Counselor, highlighted the critical role community plays in impacting the mental health of an individual. Specifically, she shed light on how when a person is going through a stressful event, the first person he/she shares it with is someone closest him/her. She reiterated that healthy relationships, both personally and within the community, are essential protective factors amid life’s challenges.

Although Mental Health Awareness Month has come to an end, practices that promote mental well-being such as daily movement, a healthy diet, social interactions amongst others, should go on. Your mental health matters daily!