THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFE SPACES FOR MENTAL HEALTH.
Because anxiety causes fear to arise, it can lead to avoidance behaviors, such as avoiding one's fears and isolating from others. The idea of an a safe space emphasizes the end goal of encouraging individuals to speak out. Unfortunately,I this type of space, people are still made to feel uncomfortable, yet it's “safe” to speak out and express yourself and explore any line of thought about your situations.
While the exact origin of the safe space concept is unknown, some trace it back to the 1960s women's movement, as a means to create protective spaces for women against violence, and to provide a community to make change.
According to the 2001 book Mapping Gay L.A. by Moira Kenney, the term safe space can be traced back to the mid-1960s when it described gay and lesbian bars as places where allied people were able to gather free from attack. It is clear that safe spaces were created to eradicate stigma and discrimination of an affected group. Stigma is a mark of disgrace or discredit that sets a person aside from others. It is a term of prejudice based on negative stereotyping. It is based on the perception of a difference which is ultimately linked to negative traits.
The stigma of mental illnes greatly increases the patients' burden caused by the illness.
Mental illness is a major problem in Kenya. But due to low awareness, stigma and discrimination, the condition is still rising in the country. We need more safe spaces just as we need more places people can access both psychiatric and psychological help. Mental health is quite common yet often stigmatized in our communities, mental health problems have been addressed in silence for a long time to date, for fear of shame that comes with having or being associated with someone who has a mental health problem.
Providing these safe spaces not only for the individuals experiencing Mental Health problems but also care givers and survivors. We all need a place to voice out the challenges we face in secret openly without fear of being shamed or judgement.
Those who make conversations impossible, make escalation of the problem inevitable. Let's make the conversation on Mental Health possible and let's end the Stigma and discrimination.
While the exact origin of the safe space concept is unknown, some trace it back to the 1960s women's movement, as a means to create protective spaces for women against violence, and to provide a community to make change.
According to the 2001 book Mapping Gay L.A. by Moira Kenney, the term safe space can be traced back to the mid-1960s when it described gay and lesbian bars as places where allied people were able to gather free from attack. It is clear that safe spaces were created to eradicate stigma and discrimination of an affected group. Stigma is a mark of disgrace or discredit that sets a person aside from others. It is a term of prejudice based on negative stereotyping. It is based on the perception of a difference which is ultimately linked to negative traits.
The stigma of mental illnes greatly increases the patients' burden caused by the illness.
Mental illness is a major problem in Kenya. But due to low awareness, stigma and discrimination, the condition is still rising in the country. We need more safe spaces just as we need more places people can access both psychiatric and psychological help. Mental health is quite common yet often stigmatized in our communities, mental health problems have been addressed in silence for a long time to date, for fear of shame that comes with having or being associated with someone who has a mental health problem.
Providing these safe spaces not only for the individuals experiencing Mental Health problems but also care givers and survivors. We all need a place to voice out the challenges we face in secret openly without fear of being shamed or judgement.
Those who make conversations impossible, make escalation of the problem inevitable. Let's make the conversation on Mental Health possible and let's end the Stigma and discrimination.
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