In Kenya, 1 out of 4 persons who seek healthcare has a mental health condition. These statistics beg the question, what is the best approach to protecting, promoting and caring for the mental health of our people?
A 2021 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) said: “Suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship breakup or chronic pain and illness.”
Meet Ms Cynthia Mutheu, passionate about Sustainable Development Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.
Popularly known as Mutcy wa Mental Health, she raises awareness of the impact of mental health issues and the practical steps we can take to address them.
She is among the advocates championing affordable therapy, therapy for everyone, and decriminalising suicide in Kenya.
Who is Mutcy?
Mutcy is a 23-year-old social worker from Machakos County. She advocates for children’s, youths’, and men’s mental health.
Every advocate has a roho ya kusaidia- a kind heart. Her mother inspired a humanitarian spirit in her. In high school, Mutcy was a member of the Drama Club, and her patron requested that she come up with an item.
As a people person, she had a couple of stories up her sleeve, and after getting consent, she wrote a poem. She then joined the Kenya Red Cross in Machakos as a volunteer and joined Rush Hour to continue nurturing her creative skills. When her heart settled on mental health advocacy, Nijali offered a stepping stone.
“Every 40 seconds, someone dies of suicide, and May is mental health awareness month.” The World Health Organisation’s action plan for 2013-2020 had set a global target of reducing suicide rates by 10 per cent by 2020, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which set a target of cutting suicide rates by one-third up to 2030.
May 40 was born, an umbrella body for mental health campaigns. Every year I have a theme and a different focus. So far, I have the Wekeza and Toto series.
Wekeza is a youth program that holds conversations on Twitter spaces on matters affecting the youth that may be barriers to mental health. I hosted 24 guests in 2022, where we discussed the arts, authors, mental health champions, journalism, and actions towards ending gender-based violence. I also did a photography campaign to sensitise the public on GBV.”
Toto Series
Recent studies on Epigenetics show that trauma and mental health issues can be transferred from parent to child. However, children are often dismissed regarding matters of mental health.
The Toto Series includes children in these conversations. Teaching them self-care practices, self-awareness, talents, and hobbies helps create a comfortable space for children.
Mutcy says they encourage parents to let children be, equip them to handle emotions, apologise, listen, and let them know you are proud of them. If need be, take them to therapy.
Of every four people who die by suicide, 3 are men. Campaigns are being run to reduce the number of suicide cases and encourage men to speak up and open up.
Mutcy co-founded Men’s Hub with this in mind to create a safe space for men.
Do you have people whom you look up to?
I look up to my mother. She inspired me to be who I am today. Janet Mbugua, I admire her advocacy. I’m also privileged to work with her at Inua Dada. I admire the strength and bravery of Wangari Maathai. I also aspire to have the work ethic of Eliud Kipchoge.
Five things we should know about mental health
- We are healing and rarely ever fully healed, don’t make healing your whole lives work. Live in the moment and create memories too.
- Your parents raised you to the best of their ability. They used what they had to give you the life you have.
- We all have a role to play in our mental health journey,look inwards.
- Although people hurt people, trauma is not an excuse for bad behaviour.
- Mental health has no face. You can’t tell who needs help by looking at them.
What are some things you look back on and say, “Yes, that was an achievement?
I am proud that I wake up as an advocate. I get to do the things I love. I am also proud of my first-ever merchandise campaign.
All work and no play make Jill a dull girl. Dogs give her comfort, and she always seems to find them. Surprisingly, Mutcy is a potato ambassador; anything with potatoes count her in.
A certified sticker collector, her favourites are dog stickers. She is an avid reader and is currently reading For What Are Butterflies Without Their Wings? by Troy Onyango. She loves travelling and journaling.
In addition, she tells me she loves Kenyan art and music. Her current favourite song is Like You by Ochiko and Kinoti. Esther Kazungu’s parliamentary jokes crack her up.
Your last word?
We should create safe and brave spaces for ourselves and those around us—end the stigma around mental health talks. Make therapy affordable and include children in mental health talks.
