Otinah-Alex

Exist to Impact

[Otinah-Alex @nyukimoja1]

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya The future of Kenya belongs to all of us, and transforming it begins by actively engaging in leadership selection process. We must strive to have competent and responsible leaders who can put to account. #InukaAngazaKura

[Otinah-Alex @nyukimoja1]

@EAWellness Do you have online mental health services? #WorldMentalHealthDay #LivedExperienceKE

[Otinah-Alex @nyukimoja1]

@EAWellness Mental health matters, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Let’s create safe spaces where everyone feels heard, supported and understood. #WorldMentalHealthDay #LivedExperienceKE

[Otinah-Alex @nyukimoja1]

@EAWellness @Maskani254 @nisisikenya I will be able to identify individuals struggling with mental health issues and give necessary support, including referral for counselling and other services. #LivedExperienceKE

[Otinah-Alex @nyukimoja1]

@EAWellness @Maskani254 @nisisikenya I can avoid making assumptions but rather ask about each person's circumstances, concerns, preferences and experiences before agreeing on appropriate support. #LivedExperienceKE

[Otinah-Alex @nyukimoja1]

@EAWellness @Maskani254 @nisisikenya I can create safe, confidential and non-judgemental environments and Let people know available support options, respect individual choices, protect people's privacy and not pressuring anyone to disclose traumatic or deeply personal #LivedExperienceKE to strengthen wellness.

[Otinah-Alex @nyukimoja1]

@EAWellness @Maskani254 @nisisikenya Sharing #LivedExperienceKE can help create safer spaces by reaching policymakers and have them create and implement inclusive mental health policies that recognise the needs of different groups, including young people, caregivers and people experiencing psychological distress.

[Otinah-Alex @nyukimoja1]

@EAWellness @Maskani254 @nisisikenya Adequate resources should be allocated towards mental health services within the communities. When a policy is developed, it should be well supported by funding and practical implementation rather than remaining commitments on paper. #LivedExperienceKE

[Otinah-Alex @nyukimoja1]

@EAWellness @Maskani254 @nisisikenya By establishing mechanisms through which people with #LivedExperienceKE can participate in public forums, policy development process and service evaluation. Accessible and affordable mental health services can help break stigma and create safer space for people.

[Otinah-Alex @nyukimoja1]

@EAWellness Let us avoid assumptions on mental health issues, someone maybe smiling but that smile is hiding something worse. We should always be kind because you may never fully understand what another person is going through. #LivedExperienceKE

[Otinah-Alex @nyukimoja1]

@EAWellness What you have gone through can help others feel less alone and can contribute to better mental health support. Speaking up should always be a choice, and no one should feel pressured to share experiences they are not ready to disclose.#LivedExperienceKE

[Otinah-Alex @nyukimoja1]

@EAWellness You do not have to pretend to be okay all the time. Your feelings matter, your struggles deserve attention, and asking for help does not make you less valuable. Give yourself permission to speak, rest and seek support. #LivedExperienceKE

[Otinah-Alex @nyukimoja1]

@EAWellness @Maskani254 @nisisikenya Make mental health conversations normal in the community, schools, workplaces and public forums such that one can speak up about their struggles and ask for help without fearing ridicule, discrimination or rejection. #LivedExperienceKE

[Otinah-Alex @nyukimoja1]

@EAWellness @Maskani254 @nisisikenya Making mental health services accessible and affordable, particularly for adolescents and young adults, they would get support whenever they need it, not only when their circumstances become severe. #LivedExperienceKE

[Otinah-Alex @nyukimoja1]

@EAWellness @Maskani254 @nisisikenya It would be about people with lived experience. They would be given a role during some decision making process especially designing mental health services and programmes. #LivedExperienceKE

[Otinah-Alex @nyukimoja1]

@EAWellness @Maskani254 @nisisikenya Policymakers should ensure that people who have experienced mental health challenges participates meaningfully in policy development, designing services, monitoring implementation and identifying gaps in support.#LivedExperienceKE

[Otinah-Alex @nyukimoja1]

@EAWellness @Maskani254 @nisisikenya Mental health challenges should not be treated as a source of shame. Communities should learn to replace judgement with empathy, they should listen, offer support and encourage people to seek appropriate help. #LivedExperienceKE

[Otinah-Alex @nyukimoja1]

@EAWellness @Maskani254 @nisisikenya Stakeholders should understand that good support begins with listening to the people receiving it. Any services offered should reflect people's actual experiences, needs and challenges rather than relying entirely on assumptions about what they require.#LivedExperienceKE

[Otinah-Alex @nyukimoja1]

@EAWellness @Maskani254 @nisisikenya When I needed support, I could not get immediate assistance at the public facility where I went as it was on a weekend. Mental health issues come anytime irrespective of a day of the week. I wish support systems addressed these underlying challenges. #LivedExperienceKE

[Otinah-Alex @nyukimoja1]

@EAWellness @Maskani254 @nisisikenya Reliable and affordable psychosocial counsellors, an organization offering such services wanted a referral sheet and other things that I was not able to give at that particilar time. I wish I could just get service without being ask to provide so many things. #LivedExperienceKE