W

W first shared their experience with On The Move, Tinada Youth Organization & Mental 360. They are working to raise awareness and create support systems for those living with mental health conditions in Kenya as well as advocating for their rights. Like us, they believe sharing stories breaks down the barriers that makes seeking help hard.

I 33 I Nyando District

was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. “I used to drink a lot. Then one day I went mad and removed my clothes. My friends carried me and took me to hospital. My friends understood my problem and helped me get admitted but my wife felt threatened by me and ran away with our children. She fears me.” But that was not the only battle he fought: “Since I also fell sick, I felt useless as I was unable to work and provide for my children. I am a plumber. I have lost two jobs because of stigma for mental illness. At one refinery, when I disclosed my condition before hiring, I was denied the job.” At another job, he was fired without benefits because he had a schizophrenic attack while at work: “I feel lonely and discouraged.”

“Do not run away from us when we are sick. It is when we need you most.”