Everything Under The Sun: Advocacy And Support From Life Experience

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Advocacy And Support From Life Experience

Sitawa willingly shares her narrative, in hopes of inspiring others.

It came out of a traumatic experience, an organization that is rather unique in Kenya. Because of a traumatic experience when she was 18 years old, SITAWA WAFULA developed a mental illness, which was rather expensive to treat. With her medical expenses rising, due to the dual diagnosis of a seizure disorder and bipolar disorder, she had to drop out of her university education to balance her budget.

Like many who have emotional disorders, she soon found out that others have their stereotypical ideas of what mental illness is about. Those ideas cause discrimination in the lives of sufferers. Sitawa was no exception, as her ability to hold a job became affected by the stigma and misunderstanding of others. But instead of being discouraged, she learned more about this issue, and then formed MY MIND MY FUNK. As Ms. Wafula explained, "I believe in a positive African mental health narrative, because I am that narrative. I have a mental health condition, but it has not chained me."

Kenya was badly in need of an organization that would provide information, support and advocacy for the benefit of those who have mental illnesses. My Mind My Funk went about addressing these issues in various ways, both online and offline. Every Tuesday, there is an online Twitter chat that provides a forum to discuss various issues related to mental health. The group also sponsors forums in various venues.

Support is provided through an SMS helpline, which offers counseling via texting. Because mental health care can be rather expensive, both legal and medical support services are also provided. There are also Group Therapy/Support Group sessions offered in various venues.

Advocacy has also become part of My Mind My Funk. The group takes part in legislative advocacy, particularly in the area of the rights of both individuals and families. They also engage in publicity through editorials, letters to the editor, and participation in national mental health platforms. Their purpose is to reduce the stigma and discrimination that occurs to both individuals and families dealing with mental health issues.

My Mind My Funk uses graphics like this to help educate others and decrease stigma.

This organization is supported by donations. Those interested in volunteering, whether or not you live in Kenya, are invited to get in touch with the group. By the way, remember that university education that Sitawa could no longer afford to continue? Today, ten years later, she has returned to school and is pursuing a Post Graduate Certificate in Social Innovation Management. Just think, if she did not have the resilience that she has shown, the mental health movement in Kenya might not ever have been launched.