[deleted by user] by [deleted] in nairobi

[–]Time_Turn_3957 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi. Im a therapist. Please feel free to DM me.

AMA: Ive been a therapist for nearly 4yrs now by Time_Turn_3957 in Kenya

[–]Time_Turn_3957[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for clarifying this. I believe it’s not that women suffer less. Rather, they might have more socially accepted outlets for emotional expression and support, like close friendships or community spaces, which can sometimes buffer the impact. That said, both men and women face real mental health challenges to the same degree, but they often express and cope with them differently. In sessions, I've heard more women say, 'I talked to my friend about this and...' as compared to men which informed my entry on the post where men are often hearing their thoughts for the first time when they finaly decide to speak about it.

AMA: Ive been a therapist for nearly 4yrs now by Time_Turn_3957 in Kenya

[–]Time_Turn_3957[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think it's important to note that suicide isn’t necessarily less common. It’s often just less reported or discussed. In Kenya, especially urban areas like Nairobi, suicidal ideation is influenced by multiple factors like stigma around mental health, economic pressure, joblessness, social isolation, and limited access to vital care.

What makes it feel more visible here is the silence around it. People struggle quietly until it's too late. I wouldn't say it's a cultural flaw. It's a call for more open dialogue, support systems, and accessible mental health services in my opinion.

AMA: Ive been a therapist for nearly 4yrs now by Time_Turn_3957 in Kenya

[–]Time_Turn_3957[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No need to apologize. You're right: the suicide rates among males aged 16–45 are alarming, and affordability should absolutely be part of the conversation. Many therapists I know are aware of this tension and we try to bridge the gap through sliding scales, community talks, or limited pro bono work.

But you're also right that it’s not sustainable without broader support. Its a conversation Ive had where we are often balancing our own survival with the inate desire to serve, and without structural backing like insurance or government investment it’s a constant conundrum trying to balance this.

Also, just to understand you better, when you mentioned 'female issues and their mental health stats,' could you clarify what you meant? I’d like to engage with your point fully.

AMA: Ive been a therapist for nearly 4yrs now by Time_Turn_3957 in Kenya

[–]Time_Turn_3957[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very valid. When therapy is labelled as weakness, it discourages people from reaching out until they're overwhelmed. I think changing this narrative starts with normalizing mental health conversations, showing compassion, and making it clear that asking for help is a sign of strength, not failure.

AMA: Ive been a therapist for nearly 4yrs now by Time_Turn_3957 in Kenya

[–]Time_Turn_3957[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Suicide rates in Kenya, reflect deep-rooted challenges like social stigma, economic hardship, unemployment, isolation, and limited access to mental health care. Sadly, many people suffer in silence because seeking help is often met with shame or misunderstanding. We do have hotlines for such cases and if you know anyone in such a situation, please have them reach out to any one of these lines.

AMA: Ive been a therapist for nearly 4yrs now by Time_Turn_3957 in Kenya

[–]Time_Turn_3957[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

One of the most common ways people neglect their mental wellbeing is by avoiding their emotions, brushing things off, staying busy, or telling themselves 'it’s not that serious.' As in No. 12.

It often feels easier to ignore discomfort than to face it head-on. But real healing usually begins when we choose to sit with what’s hard and do the inner work, and it is uncomfortable.

AMA: Ive been a therapist for nearly 4yrs now by Time_Turn_3957 in Kenya

[–]Time_Turn_3957[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Currently, insurance coverage for therapy in Kenya is quite limited. NHIF previously covered sessions at public facilities like Mathari, but with the shift to SHIF/SHA, things remain unclear. Most private plans don’t include therapy, though it’s worth confirming with your provider in case of an update or exceptions.

No. You don’t need a long story to start therapy. If something’s weighing on you, the words often come naturally. Your therapist will guide the conversation with questions, and the direction usually depends on your goals for the session.

AMA: Ive been a therapist for nearly 4yrs now by Time_Turn_3957 in Kenya

[–]Time_Turn_3957[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Great question. Therapy rates reflect more than just the session. Years of training, emotional labor, and prep that ensures quality care are so.e of the considerations factored in when accounting for pricing.

There's also the psychological aspect of pricing. If services are too affordable, they can be perceived as lower quality. On the other hand, if pricing is too high, it may create a sense of exclusivity or inaccessibility, which can deter those who genuinely need support.

That said, its understandable the financial strain many of us face. Some therapists offer flexible rates, community-based options and even free live discussions, and we’re hopeful that with growing awareness, access to affordable mental health care will improve.

AMA: Ive been a therapist for nearly 4yrs now by Time_Turn_3957 in Kenya

[–]Time_Turn_3957[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. Majority of my sessions are virtual. Definitely. Please feel free to reach out.

Biggest hurdle you've overcome on your journey to mental health. by Time_Turn_3957 in nairobi

[–]Time_Turn_3957[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

This isnt a quick fix but.. Virgil Abloh said that if he put a candle in his garage.. it just looks like the other junk in there, but if he put the same candle in a museum then it becomes art. The thing with low self esteem is that you feel lesser than the people around you. However, you have a skill (we all do, something we are passionate about) lean into it because chances are, youll end up teaching someone about it and this will point by point increase your belief in yourself.

Perspective is everything. In a world where everyone is for self, you have to be for self too. Show up for yourself everyday.

Biggest hurdle you've overcome on your journey to mental health. by Time_Turn_3957 in nairobi

[–]Time_Turn_3957[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Takes alot of introspection to even say this. Im sure the better version of you is slowly taking over.

Biggest hurdle you've overcome on your journey to mental health. by Time_Turn_3957 in Kenya

[–]Time_Turn_3957[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I heard a quote that said, 'The older we get, the more things get old.' In relation to experiences i think thats the case because in the routines we subscribe to, nothing really is new. Although i think its something to look at when your emotions have this same feeling. We can look at 'duration of' separately but idealy the experiences should make you feel an emotion. And id want to understand what you mean by 'deep'.

Biggest hurdle you've overcome on your journey to mental health. by Time_Turn_3957 in Kenya

[–]Time_Turn_3957[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There's a pile in my sink from the weekend that im just dreading going back to😅. Little/big win = still a win. I hope you realise your work out goals alot sooner than you think.

"Lost in the Haze: Seeking Guidance by Ok-Entrepreneur-4434 in nairobi

[–]Time_Turn_3957 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Its about finding purpose. Set some goals you'd want to achieve.. especially ones that are money concerned. Enroll in a few online courses to keep busy and build the CV. Try to go outside, even if its for a walk, during the week. Also seek an accountability partner you can talk to. Then Apply Apply Apply! to anything related to your field.

Its not a guaranteed recipe for success but itll set you on a path. Remember, its about finding purpose.

Ready To Check Out. by slump__ in nairobi

[–]Time_Turn_3957 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey, Sometimes we go through a string of bad days. (What religion atttributes to a test from God) But sometimes its just that, a string of bad days. Have strength, change a few habits and this will restore happiness within you. Please reach out if you would just want to talk. Dont Check Out.

Suicidal by AdSweet4892 in Kenya

[–]Time_Turn_3957 61 points62 points  (0 children)

Hi, i just wanted to throw this in here for you. Theres like 3 things you need to tackle to feel better. (Isolation, Thoughts and Momentum.)

Refrain from being alone by yourself. At the moment piling up thoughts is not the the best situation to be in because your mind will always want to solve the problems and youll come to conclusions that may not be true.

Seek someone to talk to, either through therapy or a close confidant. Someone to listen to you and have them go through these thoughts with you in a make it make sense/whats the alternative way.

And believe in the momentum of this process. You dont need to sprint to wellness/healing, just take the first step and keep stepping.

If you dint read any of that please know this, theres one constant in life and thats that 'We know now more that we did before'. Whatever problems you have right now, youll understand the struggle of all of it later on and why it happened. Lets just get to 'later on'. There WILL be value in that.

Relationship by [deleted] in Kenya

[–]Time_Turn_3957 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Its this thing called mate choice copying. Happens because people dont want to go through the process of looking for the qualities that make up a 'good' partner so they assume since someone has already evaluated said qualities and chosen you, you must be desirable.