17/12/2024
On December 13, 2024, our team leader Kayondo Vincent joined Leo Edupath Initiative, in partnership with the Counter Trafficking Team, under the Igoye Young Professional Mentorship Program and Hatma Initiative, for an outreach aimed at impacting lives in Namutumba district.
During the outreach, he was given the opportunity to educate the community about mental health, its stressors, identification, coping mechanisms, and prevention strategies. Mental health was defined as a person's emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing, affecting how they think, feel, and act. It is a fundamental human right, enabling individuals to cope with stress, learn, work, and contribute to their community.
The discussion highlighted stress and its impact. Stress sometimes overwhelms, but coping strategies can help maintain a positive self-image and emotional equilibrium. Psychological stress is often associated with negative life changes, such as losing a job or a loved one. However, all changes, including positive ones like getting married or having a child, require adaptation and can be stressful.
To manage stress, attendees were encouraged to:
1. Lower their expectations
2. Seek assistance from others
3. Take responsibility for their situation
4. Engage in problem-solving
5. Maintain emotionally supportive relationships
Additional coping strategies included:
1. Getting enough quality sleep
2. Eating a well-balanced diet
3. Taking vacations away from home and work
4. Viewing problems from a religious perspective
Considering the upcoming festive season and subsequent back-to-school expenses, financial stressors were addressed. Women were empowered to:
1. Start businesses
2. Join SACCOs
3. Avoid taking loans that may be challenging to repay
The session was well-received, with many parents gaining a deeper understanding of mental health, its causes, and solutions. Our team leader's selfless efforts have made a lasting impact on the community.