This project component puts emphasis on the importance of mental wellness in parenting and reducing stigma around seeking for help. This is because there are many people in these communities suffering from mental health related issues that are related to poverty, joblessness, unproductive land due to degradation and sand mining among others, yet they cannot come out into the open to get help. Pubic health services from county and national governments are also inadequate due to lack of specialists and facilities that can help address mental health complications. Damiens’ Hope Foundation partners with institutions offering mental wellness services for purposes of referral, treatment and rehabilitation once these such cases are identified from the communities.

 According to WHO, (2023), a good mental health is characterised by positive self-esteem, ability to manage stress, resilience, health relationships and emotional regulation.

In 2019, 1 in every 8 people, or 970 million people around the world were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depressive disorders the most common (1). In 2020, the number of people living with anxiety and depressive disorders rose significantly because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Initial estimates show a 26% and 28% increase respectively for anxiety and major depressive disorders in just one year (2). While effective prevention and treatment options exist, most people with mental disorders do not have access to effective care. Many people also experience stigma, discrimination and violations of human rights.