by Inuka Kenya | Aug 20, 2024 | Articles, Stories
I remember the day Sarah walked into our wellness class, her shoulders slumped and her eyes heavy with exhaustion. Sarah was always the cheerful one—the one who brought smiles and positive energy everywhere she went. But that day was different. She didn’t need to say a word; we all knew something was wrong.
After class, she sat with me in silence for a while, fidgeting with her phone before finally speaking. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I just… feel empty.”
I could see the frustration in her eyes. The pressure to keep it together was written all over her face, but behind it, there was something deeper—a cry for help, a feeling many of us experience but rarely talk about.
“I just need to be okay,” she said, her voice breaking.
And there it was: the belief so many of us have—that we always need to be okay.
But here’s the truth I told Sarah that day, a truth we often forget: **It’s okay not to be okay.**
The Pressure to Be Perfect
We live in a world where everyone’s life looks perfect online. Social media is full of happy faces, exciting travels, and picture-perfect moments. It’s easy to believe that everyone has it all together, and if you’re struggling, you must be doing something wrong.
But what we don’t see are the tough moments-the tears, the anxiety, the sleepless nights. No one is perfect, and no one has it together all the time. Yet, we constantly pressure ourselves to feel okay, to act like everything is fine when, inside, it feels like a storm.
Sarah’s story is a reminder of how human we all are. No matter how much we try to smile through the pain, our emotions are a part of us. And sometimes, they demand to be felt.
The Power of Accepting Our Emotions
As Sarah and I talked that day, I asked her to try something she hadn’t done in a long time – accept how she felt without judgment.
“I feel lost,” she whispered. And with that admission came a flood of emotions—sadness, frustration, confusion. But for the first time, Sarah allowed herself to **just feel** without trying to fix anything.
And that’s the magic. The moment we accept our emotions, we begin to heal. It doesn’t mean the sadness goes away instantly, but by acknowledging it, we give ourselves permission to be human.
Healing Through Connection
Over the next few weeks, Sarah started sharing her journey with close friends and family. At first, she feared they would think less of her, but something surprising happened—many opened up about their own struggles. She realized she wasn’t alone.
In our darkest moments, it’s easy to feel isolated, but the truth is, we are all carrying something. When we open up, we find support, connection, and understanding. That’s where healing begins—not in pretending everything is fine but in sharing our truth with others.
It’s Okay Not to Be Okay
If you’re feeling like Sarah did that day—overwhelmed, lost, or simply not yourself—know that you don’t need to be okay right now. Life has its ups and downs, and every emotion you feel is valid.
Take a deep breath. Share your feelings with someone you trust. Most importantly, give yourself permission to feel whatever you’re feeling.
Because in the end, it’s okay not to be okay.
And that’s where true healing begins.
by Inuka Kenya | Jul 1, 2024 | Articles, Stories
The Kenya Finance Bill protests, widely recognized by the hashtag #RejectFinanceBill2024, have sparked a series of ongoing decentralized mass demonstrations across the country. These protests arose in response to proposed tax increases in the Finance Bill 2024, which many Kenyans view as burdensome.
As Kenyans continue to voice their concerns and take to the streets, these events’ emotional and mental toll is significant. Whether actively participating in the protests or observing them through various media channels, the impact on mental well-being is undeniable. In these challenging times, it is crucial to explore ways to manage and maintain our mental health amidst the turmoil.
Here are some practical tips that can help you support your mental well-being before, during, and after protests:
Practice Deep Breathing: Engage in simple breathing exercises to calm your nervous system. Try inhaling slowly through your nose for four counts, holding for two counts, and exhaling through your nose for six counts.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to physical signals from your body. If you feel tired, take time to rest. Ensure you are eating properly and staying hydrated to maintain your energy levels.
Acknowledge Your Emotions: Recognize and accept the wide range of emotions you may be experiencing. Journaling can help you process these feelings and gain better emotional clarity.
Stay Connected: Contact friends and family to share your thoughts and feelings. Open conversations with trusted individuals can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation.
Take Screen Breaks: Limit your exposure to distressing news and social media. Allocate time each day to disconnect from digital devices and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Get Quality Sleep: Ensure you get a good night’s sleep to be well-rested and energized
Seek Professional Help: If managing your emotions becomes too challenging, don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. Therapy can provide valuable support and coping strategies during these difficult times.
Engage in Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help reduce stress and improve your mood. Even a short walk can have significant benefits for your mental well-being.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness and meditation practices can help you stay present and reduce anxiety. Find a quiet space and spend a few minutes focusing on your breath or a calming mantra.
Set Boundaries: It’s important to know your limits and set boundaries. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, give yourself permission to step back and take a break from the protests and related activities.
Find Supportive Communities: Connect with groups or organizations that share your concerns. Being part of a supportive community can provide a sense of belonging and mutual encouragement.
By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can better support your mental well-being while continuing to advocate for the changes you believe in during the #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests. Practising self-care and seeking support are vital in maintaining our mental health and sustaining our advocacy efforts. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a sign of weakness but a crucial step in the fight for justice and equality.
