Fireside Chat with Bright Shitemi: Navigating the Global Mental Health Crisis

Mental health is a very human issue; everyone has moments when life feels extremely scary, or downright impossible. Getting treatment and help through these difficult times - which can last for years for some people - depends a lot on the country you live in.

In Nairobi, Kenya where Bright Shitemi lives, there is little to no public support for mental health. And culturally, there is a huge taboo around saying you’re not coping and you need help.

Bright’s mother attempted suicide in 1994, and instead of receiving therapy and care she was shamed and her whole family was stigmatised. When Bright had his own mental health crisis as a result of this trauma, he believed he had to battle it alone.

Bright is now making mental health care accessible to all Kenyans through the pioneering non-profit he founded, Mental 360, while taking on the bigger structures that stigmatise and shame patients. It’s a big job – but he’s doing it!

We invite you to join Bright in a fireside chat to dive deep into the specific mental health struggles that many Kenyans face as they also navigate poverty, and how Bright guides them towards peaceful living with culturally-appropriate psychosocial methods.

We’ll be covering some heavy topics, but Bright’s message is ultimately one of hope. Event attendees will be welcome to share their own experiences, ask Bright questions, or simply listen in and be inspired. We hope you’ll join us!

In the meantime, you can learn about Bright's incredible journey on Just Peoples' podcast, Why Give a Buck?.