Frequently Asked Questions

Mental health is everything to do with our emotions (how we feel), psychological wellbeing (how we think), and relationships with our environment (how we act).

No. Mental health is not necessarily about being mad or crazy. Even people who appear normal in their behaviour experience mental health problems.

A mental illness, or mental health disorder, is defined as patterns or changes in thinking, feeling, or behaving that cause distress or disrupt a person's ability to function.

Some of the common mental health problems include:

• Depression
• Psychosis
• Schizophrenia
• Alcohol and Substance Use
• Suicide and Suicidal Thoughts

• Hearing voices in your head
• Seeing images that are not present
• Feeling hopeless about life
• Lack of interest in things that used to be interesting
• Feeling like taking away your life
• Feeling anxious about anything

There is no single answer to this. Exposure to some environmental toxins and diseases, as well as family history of certain conditions, has been associated with a likelihood of mental health problems.

Child development starts before one gets pregnant, and the baby continues to grow even while in the womb. The pregnancy period and the first five years of life are crucial for child development. Parents should attend relevant antenatal and prenatal clinics and follow advice given by healthcare workers.

Mental health disorders in children are generally defined as delays or disruptions in developing age-appropriate thinking, behaviours, social skills, or regulation of emotions. These problems are distressing to children and disrupt their ability to function well at home, in school, or in other social situations.

Yes. Worldwide, 1 in every 10 children and adolescents experience mental health problems.

• Behaviour problems — The most common (7.4% in children aged 3-17)
• Anxiety problems — Second most common (7.1%)
• Depression — Third most common (3.2%)

• Decline in school performance
• Poor grades despite strong efforts
• Constant worry or anxiety
• Repeated refusal to go to school or take part in normal activities
• Hyperactivity or fidgeting
• Persistent nightmares
• Persistent disobedience or aggression
• Frequent temper tantrums
• Depression, sadness, or irritability
• Repeated use of alcohol or drugs
• Severe mood swings that create problems in relationships

Remember: Just because you notice one or more of these changes does not mean your child has a mental health problem. But it's worth paying attention to.

• Persistent poverty
• Recurrent abuse
• Chronic child neglect
• Domestic violence
• Parental mental health problems
• Parental substance abuse problems

Yes. Parental mental illness has been shown to affect attachment formation and the cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioural development of children. These children are also at increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders in childhood, adolescence, and later adult life.

a) Help children build strong, caring relationships:

• It's important for children and youth to have strong relationships with family and friends. Spend time together each night around the dinner table.
• A significant person who is consistently present in a child's life plays a crucial role in helping them develop resilience.
• Show your children how to solve problems.

b) Help children and youth develop self-esteem:

• Show lots of love and acceptance.
• Praise them when they do well.
• Ask questions about their activities and interests.
• Help them set realistic goals.

c) Listen and respect their feelings:

• It's OK for children and youth to feel sad or angry. Encourage them to talk about how they feel.
• Keep communication flowing by asking questions and listening.
• Help your child find someone to talk to if they don't feel comfortable talking to you.

d) Create a safe, positive home environment:

• Be aware of your child's media use — both content and time spent on screens.
• Be careful about discussing serious family issues around your children.
• Provide time for physical activity, play, and family activities.
• Be a role model by taking care of your own mental health.

e) In difficult situations, help children solve problems:

• Teach your child how to relax when they feel upset (deep breathing, calming activities, taking time alone).
• Talk about possible solutions and how to make them happen. Try not to take over.

There are many ways to help your child achieve good mental health. Sharing your concerns with a doctor is one of them. Talk to your child's doctor:

• If the behaviours described above last for a while, or if they interfere with your child's ability to function.
• If you have concerns about your child's emotional and mental health.
• About your child's behavioural development and emotional health at each well-child visit.

If you feel like you need to talk to someone or a counsellor, reach out to us:

• 📧 Email: info@communitiesmentalwellness.org
• 📞 Call or SMS: +254 988 625 33
• 📱 Social Media: Send a private message on Facebook or Twitter