Mental health challenges are a pressing concern globally, and their impact is particularly profound among the youth.

According to the World Health Organization, one in seven 10-19-year-olds experience mental health conditions, with many cases going untreated due to stigma, lack of resources, and insufficient awareness. Involving young people in mental health interventions is not just a progressive approach—it is essential.

MIDRIFT HURINET, through its Mental Health intervention, has trained at least six youths under 30 on Problem Management Plus (PM+) and Psychological First Aid (PFA).

The Youths are drawn from Nakuru Town West, Nakuru Town East, and Naivasha Sub Counties.

During a MIDRIFT HURINET facilitated reflection and experience-sharing forum on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services, the young Mental Health Champions shared their experiences, learnings, and future aspirations in the Mental Health space.

Vivian from Nakuru Town West Sub County, a PM+ helper, gave an overview of how she prepares for a session with a client by reviewing her PM+ guidelines and manuals.

"I usually use simple language, ensure the space we are in is safe, and take time to explain to the client about PM+ and what it entails, as well as common misconceptions such as monetary gain.

I also create a good rapport to avoid future misunderstandings.

In my interactions, I have learnt and enhanced some valuable values and lessons, such as Respect and Dignity for the client, upholding the trust placed in you by safeguarding the client's personal information, empathy and compassion for the client, being punctual and prepared for every session, demonstrating reliability and dedication, being tolerant of setbacks or difficulties during the session, and maintaining a supportive stance.

According to Modesta from Nakuru Town East Sub County, her transition from PFA to PM+ shaped her mindset. She enhanced her value system of not imposing personal values or judgments on the client by respecting her cultural beliefs and practices and integrating them into the support process where appropriate.

She noted that she became more conscious of her biases or emotions, ensured they did not affect the session, and always sought supervision or guidance if she faced challenges beyond her skills.

She shared how she empowers the clients by highlighting their strengths and potential for growth and cultivating hope and positivity, even when addressing complex topics.

To Britney Marcella, the PM+ intervention has enabled her to better understand the signs of distress, like being inactive, getting angry, and feeling unmotivated. Hopelessness is normal, and there are healthy ways of dealing with it.

"PM+ specifically helped me to understand what my body is telling me, if it's stress I have, if it's anxiety, and what to do to avoid burnout.

It would be a great honor and pleasure to see more of these interventions become widespread and accessible to more community members because they significantly reduce the risk of Mental illness and improve Mental Health wellness in society."

Marcus Ayera, a PFA provider from the underserved area of Kanyon in Nakuru Town East, expressed his community's reluctance to address Mental Health as they see it as a government project and not their issue.

He plans to use his voice as an awareness tool for mental health situations in the community.

He also plans to maintain boundaries to ensure the session focuses on the client's needs and exhibits appropriate behavior and language to foster a sense of trust and authority.

His sentiments were echoed by Brenda Seki, another PM+ Helper, who shared lessons learned through coping strategies in managing anxiety and stress.

"Life throws challenges, but your esponse is your power. I have learned coping strategies to manage stress, build resilience, and protect my mental health. Remember: It's okay to not be okay, but it's not okay to stay there," she added.

At the reflection and experience-sharing forum, the youth factor in mental health was reemphasized.

Young people are likelier to trust and open up to peers who understand their struggles. Youth involvement in mental health programs enables the creation of relatable, peer-driven interventions.

This reduces stigma, fosters open dialogue, and encourages others to seek help.Youth leaders can act as bridges between professional services and their peers, ensuring that mental health resources reach those who need them most.

Youth bring authenticity to mental health advocacy by sharing their lived experiences. Their participation ensures that interventions are tailored to address real issues faced by their demographic rather than being based solely on assumptions by older generations.

By amplifying their voices, programs become more relevant and impactful.

Young people are dynamic thinkers and natural problem-solvers. They bring creativity, technological savvy, and fresh perspectives to mental health interventions. From creating engaging social media campaigns to designing user-friendly mental health apps, youth innovation can revolutionize mental health support delivery.

The mental health challenges faced by today's youth differ significantly from those of previous generations. Issues like cyberbullying, academic pressure, and social media influence require tailored approaches. Involving young people ensures that these modern challenges are acknowledged and addressed effectively.

Engaging in mental health interventions empowers young people to become proactive change agents. This involvement builds their resilience, leadership skills, and sense of purpose. It also provides them with a supportive network and coping mechanisms to share with others.

Sustainable mental health programs require generational buy-in. By involving youth, mental health interventions nurture a generation aware of and equipped to handle these challenges. This long-term investment ensures the continuity of mental health advocacy and support systems.

When young people champion mental health causes, they inspire others to follow suit. Seeing peers openly discuss and address mental health issues helps normalize conversations and reduces the stigma that often prevents people from seeking help. Youth role models can create a ripple effect, encouraging communities to prioritize mental well-being.

Youth involvement fosters stronger connections between mental health programs and the broader community. Young advocates can mobilize their peers, families, and local organizations to support mental health initiatives, creating a community-wide culture of care and support.

Fostering Youth involvement in Mental Health interventions can be enhanced by equipping young people with knowledge and skills through training programs, pairing youth leaders with experienced mental health professionals to guide their efforts, actively involving youth in decision-making processes, ensuring their voices are heard and valued, and celebrating the contributions of young mental health advocates to motivate continued participation.

Youth involvement in mental health interventions is a game-changer. Empowering young people to take an active role can create more effective, inclusive, and sustainable mental health solutions.

It is a collective investment in a future where all generations prioritize and support mental health. With the energy, creativity, and resilience of youth, we can break barriers and build a healthier, more compassionate society.

By

Jacob Karani