Episode 8. Mental health | Afya ya Akili
In this #FutureYangu episode we explore mental health and what skills we need to manage ourselves and the many expectations placed on us by other people and ourselves. Our way of coping influences our opportunities. Growing up and going through puberty entails many stress factors for youth that affect their bodies, their behaviors, emotions, and mental health.
In this episode we meet Di who shares her testimonial of how she has suffered from depression and feelings of being rejected. Her dreams and aspirations for a career have so far ended in disappointment. At school she faced corporal punishment and bullying. Such stressors affected her mental wellbeing as well as her academic performance. Learning to deal with such conditions is vital, and talking to someone, sharing one’s story is therapy.
The presenters discuss with whom we should do this and point out that after finishing school many youths experience emotional challenges as they are not prepared for the real world, they have not been taught how to self-regulate, to be independent, critical thinkers. It can be an overwhelming feeling to be ‘out on your own’ and expected to manage one’s own life. In this episode we remind students to have realistic plans and manage their expectations. If plan A fails, they should be open minded to switch to other plans.
The activity in this episode invites students to explore and identify coping mechanisms that may be helpful in managing or dealing with different stressors and unpleasant emotions like anxieties triggered by violence, relationships, exams, or expectations in order to be able to remain focused in school even during emotionally tough times.
