By Sharon Mwazuna
Mental health is imperative at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood, as our emotional, psychological, and social well-being are all components of mental health. It influences our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It also influences how we respond to stress, interact with others, and make wise decisions. It is widely contemplated that about 46% of people, per research statistics, who die by suicide have a known mental health condition. Symptoms leading to suicidal thoughts such as very low mood, negative thinking, severe anxiety, and psychosis, have an emphatic voice and should not be ignored. Moreover, several factors may put a person at risk of suicide including, but, not limited to a family history of suicide, emotional distress, and stigma among others. Coupling this, suicide and unsound mental health should not be taken seriously.
Daystar University Nairobi Campus held a dynamic International Conference on Suicide Prevention from October 22nd to 23rd 2024, bringing attention to the importance of mental health and the need for all-encompassing suicide prevention techniques. TINADA, the Kenya Institute of Business and Counseling, the Amani Counselling Center and Training Institute, and the Kenya Counsellors and Psychologists Association (KCPA) were among the stakeholders who attended this conference.
The two-day conference commenced with a warm welcome from the university’s administration Prof. Faith Nguru DVC ARSA on behalf of Prof. Laban Peter Ayiro, Vice Chancellor, Daystar University, stressing the value of teamwork in mental health programs. In her stirring speech, MBS Secretary to the Cabinet Republic of Kenya, Madam Mercy Wanjau, the Chief Guest, emphasized the critical need for easily accessible support services. She encouraged participants to spread the word about these options in their areas by providing important information about hotlines for reporting suicide and getting assistance, such as 1192 NACADA. Furthermore, she echoed the Government of Kenya’s commitment to addressing the suicide cases in the country and forging mental health awareness through expanding mental health facilities and equipping them, encouraging employers to implement mental health policies in the workplace, and policy and legislative strengthening through the Penal Code (Cap 63).
The keynote address from Dr. Matilda Mghoi Omollo, CEO of the Counselling and Psychologists Board (C&PB), centered on the part mental health practitioners play in preventing suicide, emphasizing the value of continual education and training in handling the complexity of mental health conditions. She advocated for a multifaceted strategy that incorporates support and involvement from the community.
Subsequent to the opening addresses, the conference included several presentations from different subject-matter specialists. Following a revitalizing health break, participants participated in enlightening conversations about the latest findings, best practices, and creative strategies for preventing suicide. Abstracts and presentations of surviving suicide case studies from James Kamau and Valentine Wairimu demonstrated how tactics and interventions are used in the real world and that surviving suicide is very feasible, were part of the afternoon sessions. Participants engaged in a vibrant exchange of ideas as presenters shared their findings, emphasizing both achievements and challenges in various circumstances.
Participants likewise, were able to interact directly with the presenters during a Question-and-Answer session, addressing specific issues and exchanging personal stories about mental health and suicide prevention. This exchange demonstrated the conference’s collaborative spirit and the eagerness of participants to share knowledge.
Dr. Hassan gave a passionate vote of gratitude to the Chief Guest, delegates, and all participants for their efforts and dedication to mental health awareness as the conference came to a close. During the closing ceremony, awards were given to notable field contributors in recognition of their commitment and influence on suicide prevention initiatives.
The International Conference on Suicide Prevention at Daystar University not only highlighted the pressing need for action in mental health but also fostered a network of professionals dedicated to making a difference. The partnership of the Kenya Institute of Business and Counseling, TINADA, Amani Counselling Center and Training Institute, and KCPA represents a concerted effort to address the issues of mental health and suicide in Kenya.
“Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.” Noam Shpancer