The Kenyan team that will represent the country in the forthcoming 24th edition of Deaflympics in Caxias Do Sul in Brazil have been advised to always seek help whenever they feel or suspect a mental disorder Case.
Dr Rose Ngondi, a Clinical Psychologist at Chiromo Hospital Group told the athletes who are camping at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi that choosing to remain silent over a suspected mental problem is likely to develop into a mental illness. “When you find that you are so stressed, please talk to somebody within the team or outside. The more you remain silent over a mental problem, the more the stress will affect your mental health,” advised Dr Ngondi.
She spoke Friday April 8, 2022 at Stadion Hotel during a mental health awareness session organised for the athletes by the Ministry of Sports, in partnership with Chiromo Hospital Group.
Sports, Culture and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed had Wednesday April 6, 2022 noted widespread mental illness within the sports fraternity.
Having taken the athletes through various forms of mental health disorders, which included; depression and anxiety, Dr Ngodi shared with them tips on how to overcome stressful situations.
“Engage in activities that make you feel good, for example dancing and listening to music. You can also engage the mind by reading a book and interacting with friends,” advised Dr Ngondi.
Her counterpart Victoria Rika counselled the athletes to take care of their mental health by using the 4 A’s coping mechanism of; avoiding unnecessary stress, adapting to the stress, accepting that things can change and altering the situation. The athletes pointed out stigma, lack of awareness and breach of privacy and confidentiality as some of factors which prevent them from seeking help.
The mental health awareness workshop was the climax of a two-day conference during which the Deaflympics teams also benefited from media relations training. Sylvia Kamau the Chief Executive Officer Local Organising Committee for the 24th Summer Deaflympics 2021, who closed the conference acknowledged “mental health is tied to wellness of the mind, body and soul” and thanked Chiromo Hospital Group for working closely with the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage to sensitise athletes on mental health awareness and wellness as they prepare for competition.
At the 24th Deaflympiad scheduled for May 1 to 15 In Brazil, Kenya will field athletes in five disciplines namely; athletics (men and women), football (women), basketball (men and women), handball (men and women) and golf (men).
Kelly Ayodi
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