Parents in the country have been asked to help their children tackle mental health challenges by listening to them.
Red Cross coordinator Magrina Jeruto noted that mental health problems among youths are on the rise, blaming parents for abdicating their roles.
She insisted that parents should help children grappling with the problems and allow them seek professional guidance where necessary.
“I have listened to these children and also read what their faces say about what they go through. As parents, let’s listen to our children and if we cannot do so, allow them to see professionals,” she said.
Jeruto, who spoke during the Mental Health Movie night in Iten town, listed the causes and effects of mental health problems, further appealing for concerted efforts to tackle the problem.
“Sometimes we take children to school or university but they have a lot of psychological problems. It’s high time we addressed these problems as a way of combating the emerging issues in the society,” added Jeruto.
Psychologist Winny Cheboi on her part lamented that mental health problems have not received the attention it deserves, noting that as professionals they are ready to offer guidance to victims.
“We are here to coach, guide and also offer counseling services to those who are in need of these services. We do understand that counseling sessions are a bit expensive and we find that most of the youths fear going to hospital,” she noted.
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Cheboi also appealed for create youth-friendly services, adding that most youths fear seeking specialized counseling in hospitals due to cost and stigma.
“What I can request may be from the National Government or the county government of Elgeyo Marakwet is to create more youth friendly services,” added Cheboi.
Over 300 youths attended the event organized by the Tumaini La Vijana Organization in Iten town, where youths opened up on their problems and how they managed to overcome them.
By Kimutai Langat
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