Mental Health Drive
This project will focus on providing mental health care to tertiary campuses to equip students with the tools to address depression, anxiety and some other forms of mental issues. A documentary on the many faces of mental health would be developed to educate and empower a wider audience and raise awareness on mental health
Image: Marcelo Chagas on Pexels
Introduction
Shades of Us Storytelling Initiative for African People (“Shades of Us”) is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and wellness, and has launched a new initiative called the Mental Health Drive project to support the efforts of providing mental health care to tertiary campuses across the continent. The project aims to equip students with better tools to address depression, anxiety, and other forms of mental health issues, which have become increasingly prevalent among young people.
To achieve this goal, Shades of Us plans to collaborate with mental health professionals and organizations to offer counseling, therapy, and other mental health services to students in need. The project will focus on creating safe and supportive spaces where students can access the care they need, without fear of stigma or discrimination. The organization will also work to promote mental health literacy and education among students, faculty, and staff.
The Mental Health Drive project is not limited to providing direct mental health care services, but also includes creating a documentary on the many faces of mental health. This documentary will showcase personal stories of individuals who have struggled with mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other conditions. Through this film, Shades of Us hopes to equip a wider audience with a better understanding of mental health and to raise awareness about the importance of seeking help when needed.
Overall, the Mental Health Drive project is an important step towards improving mental health care and support for students across the continent. Shades of Us Africa hopes to create a brighter future for young people struggling with mental health issues by promoting mental health literacy, providing direct care services, and raising awareness through the documentary.
Goals
Behavioral Objectives
Gap Analysis
Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being and refers to a state of psychological and emotional well-being. It affects how we feel, think, and act and plays a significant role in our daily lives. Unfortunately, mental health challenges are widespread and affect millions of people worldwide, including the youth in Africa. According to a study published in the Nigerian Journal of Medicine journals.lww.com/njom/Fulltext/2022/31020/Violence_and_Mental_Health_among_Adolescents, mental health challenges among Nigerian youths are on the rise, with up to 50% of Nigerian youths experiencing one form of mental health challenge or the other. The study also found that depression, anxiety, and substance abuse are among the most prevalent mental health challenges faced by Nigerian youths.
The situation is not different in other African countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29 in Africa, and the prevalence of mental health disorders is highest among this age group.
Unfortunately, young people in Africa are often overlooked when it comes to mental health care, with limited access to mental health services and resources. This shortage is compounded by the social stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health, which can prevent young people from seeking help.
The need for increased awareness and access to mental health services for young people in Africa is therefore crucial. By addressing the gaps in mental health care, we can reduce the burden of mental health challenges among young people in Africa and help them lead happier, healthier lives.
Audience
Reach
Shades of Us aims to reach and provide mental health care and support services to at least 10,000 tertiary students across the continent through the Mental Health Drive project between 2023 and 2030.
Partnerships
Shades of Us aims to collaborate with mental health professionals, tertiary institutions, national and international donor organizations, and other stakeholders to create a comprehensive and sustainable mental health care and support network for tertiary students across the continent through the Mental Health Drive project. This network will provide students with access to a range of mental health resources, counseling services, and support networks that can help them address depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Please send an email to info@shadesofusafrica.org if you are (or know) any individual, group, organization or agency willing to partner with Shades of Us to achieve this goal.
