Stand Out 4 Mental Health

14/09/2025

Community & Call to Action

Su***de prevention is not just for professionals — it’s for all of us.

This week, we’ve shared facts, warning signs, and stories of hope. Now it’s your turn:
🌍 Check in on a friend.
🌱 Share kindness.
✨ Break the silence.

🎗️ Join the Yellow Ribbon Challenge: Wear something yellow, post a photo, and tag friends with a message of hope.

☎️ Need help? Call or text 1199 (Kenya Red Cross Helpline).

13/09/2025

Healing & Hope Stories

Su***de is not the end of the story. Many people have walked through deep darkness and found light again.

One young woman shared: “I once felt my life had no meaning. But reaching out to a counselor helped me see tomorrow differently. Today, I’m studying and rebuilding my dreams.”

💛 Recovery is possible. Hope is real. Healing is within reach.

👉 If you’re struggling: Reach out. You are not alone.

12/09/2025

How to Help Someone in Crisis

Sometimes, YOU can be the lifeline.

✅ What to do:

Listen without interrupting

Say: “I hear you. You matter.”

Encourage professional help

Stay with them if they’re in danger

❌ What NOT to do:

Don’t dismiss (“Others have it worse”)

Don’t preach (“Just pray harder”)

Don’t judge

☎️ In Kenya, call or text 1199 for the Su***de Prevention Helpline.

11/09/2025

Su***de & Stigma in Kenya

In Kenya, su***de is often treated as a taboo or a curse. This silence fuels stigma — and keeps people from reaching out for help.

❌ Myth: Talking about su***de makes people attempt it.
✅ Fact: Talking about su***de helps people feel less alone and can prevent attempts.

📊 Men make up 77% of su***de deaths in Kenya (KNBS, 2021) — showing how harmful silence and stigma can be.

💛 Let’s break the silence. Talking saves lives.

11/09/2025

Yesterday, was World Su***de Prevention Day, we all took a powerful step forward, shedding light on matters su***de prevention in different forums, but the work doesn’t end there.

This image is a reminder that su***de prevention isn’t just an event or a hashtag, it’s an ongoing commitment that starts with all of us, everywhere:

💛 Families – Healing begins at home. Break the silence, listen without judgment, and let empathy lead. Your words can save a life.

💛 Schools – A child’s worth is far greater than any grade. Prioritizing well-being is investing in their future.

💛 Communities – Stigma isolates, but compassion connects. When we choose care over shame, we create spaces where healing is possible.

💛 Leaders – Mental health isn’t optional. Policies and funding save lives every day because lives depend on it.

💛 Digital Spaces – Our words online carry power. Speak with care, open doors to healing, and stand against stigma.

💛 Ourselves – Check in with your own heart, too. Caring for your mental health is not selfish,it’s necessary.

World Su***de Prevention Day may have passed, but our call to action remains: Change the narrative, start the conversation, and choose compassion over silence, today and every day.

We all have something do.

What are you doing?

***dePrevention

10/09/2025

Changing the Narrative, One Coloring Page at a Time.

Today was World Su***de Prevention Day, our little artists from two partner schools joined the world in reminding us why early conversations matter. Through expressive art therapy, we explored the theme of World Su***de Prevention Day not with heavy words, but with color, hope, and peer support.

As they colored messages like “You Matter”, "Tutazidi" and “You Are Not Alone,” you could feel the room light up. There was laughter, quiet reflection, and even shy smiles as they proudly held up their coloring pages. Some whispered how the colors made them feel “happy inside” or “less scared to talk.”

Teaching su***de prevention to young learners isn’t about frightening them it’s about building resilience, empathy, and trust. Using age-appropriate language and playful activities, we show them that feelings are valid, sharing is safe, and support is always within reach.

Every ribbon they colored and every emotion they expressed is a step toward a future where conversations about mental health are normal, kind, and stigma-free.

Let’s keep nurturing these spaces where mental health matters, even for the youngest among us.

I wish to thank our partners for making the activities a success.

***dePrevention

10/09/2025

Su***de Warning Signs

Su***de has warning signs — and spotting them early can save a life.

Look out for:

- Talking about wanting to die

- Withdrawing from family/friends

- Increased alcohol/drug use

- Sudden calmness after turmoil

- Giving away possessions

✨ If you notice these signs, don’t stay silent. Gently check in: “I care about you. How can I support you?”

09/09/2025

Understanding Su***de

Su***de is not weakness. It is the end of deep pain that feels unbearable.

There are levels of suicidal thoughts:

Passive Ideation: “I wish I didn’t wake up tomorrow.”

Active Ideation: “I’m thinking of ways to end my life.”

Planning: Taking concrete steps to attempt.

In Kenya, 1,408 people died by su***de in 2021 (KNBS). Su***de affects families, schools, and entire communities.

Talking about it is the first step to saving lives.

08/09/2025

In our ongoing series to share the stories of our LDA 2025 Cohort partners, we're focusing on Ombima's and how she founded her organization:

"In 2015, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after years of struggling with postpartum depression following the loss of my son in 2010. The diagnosis came during a difficult season of my life, as I had dropped out of university, lost job opportunities, and felt isolated when friends pulled away. These experiences opened my eyes to the lack of safe, supportive spaces for those navigating emotional and mental health challenges, especially children and caregivers.

With a background in psychology and community development, I founded Stand Out 4 Mental Health in 2016. We use color, play, and storytelling to help children, especially those with autism, from communities with limited access to mental health services. We support them to explore their emotions in joyful, playful, and culturally grounded ways.

What began as expressive art therapy sessions in one classroom has grown into a movement reaching over 1,000 children and families. Today, I mentor young advocates and peer supporters, showing that healing can be creative and local, one drawing, one dance, and one conversation at a time."

Learn more about Stand Out 4 Mental Health >> https://hubs.la/Q03Hh4kH0

Image by Mumbi Muturi

08/09/2025

What Su***de Prevention Month Means

September is Su***de Prevention Month : a reminder that mental health is wealth.

This month, we stand together to raise awareness, break the silence, and create safe spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

No one should walk through pain alone.

Stay with us all week as we share facts, warning signs, and ways to support one another.

***dePreventionMonth

03/09/2025

27/08/2025

Hello Team Kisumu!

We’re excited to bring you a beautiful moment of connection, healing, and creativity at our Sip & Paint event.

Date: 20th September, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Venue : Trinity Hall (along Maseno school road)

Let’s gather as a community, sip, paint, laugh, and create memories that remind us of the power of art in healing hearts and minds.

We can’t wait to see you there come with your energy, your colorful and mindful spirit, and a cheerful heart.

Lots of fun guaranteed.