Introduction
In recent years, there has been increasing acknowledgment of the important role mental health plays in achieving global development goals, as illustrated by the inclusion of mental health in the Sustainable Development Goals.
The importance of mental health programs, particularly for women and teenage mothers, cannot be overstated. Women and teenage mothers in impoverished communities often face a myriad of challenges, including poverty, gender-based violence, and social stigma, which can significantly impact their mental health. Moreover, the added responsibilities of motherhood at a young age can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
A mental health program provides these women with the necessary resources to cope with their circumstances, fostering resilience and enhancing their capacity to care for themselves and their children. It also helps in breaking down the stigma associated with mental health issues, encouraging more women to seek help. It is not just vital for the immediate well-being of the women and teenage mothers, but it also has far-reaching implications for their families and communities, contributing to a healthier, more empowered society.
Despite progress in some countries, people with mental health conditions often experience severe human rights violations, discrimination, and stigma. Many mental health conditions can be effectively treated at relatively low cost, yet the gap between people needing care and those with access to care remains substantial. Effective treatment coverage remains extremely low.
Alora aims to make a holistic approach to mental health, addressing not only individual and group therapy but also providing resources for employment, education, and other determinants of health and other development goals. This comprehensive support greatly benefits the community mental health.
Methodology
The activity will be implemented by placing the teenage mothers and other teen girls in peer groups and taking them through life skill sessions to teach them how to cope with everyday experiences. The Alora team will also conduct individual, group, and family counseling sessions to ensure the wellness of the beneficiaries.
Target
This program’s target includes all the teenage girl beneficiaries of the Mtoto program, their families, women involved in the program, and the community at large.
Objectives
- Provide spaces for the marginalized girls and women to discuss, process, and heal from the trauma, stress, and burden of their circumstances.
- Increase access to mental health services: The primary objective is to provide affordable and accessible mental health support to individuals who may not have access to traditional mental health resources.
- Reduce mental health disparities: These programs aim to address the disproportionate burden of mental health issues in impoverished communities by providing targeted counseling services and support.
- Improve mental health outcomes: The goal is to help individuals in impoverished communities improve their mental health and well-being by providing timely counseling services, psychoeducation, and coping strategies to prevent escalation.
- Address social determinants of mental health: Community counseling programs often take a holistic approach by addressing social determinants of mental health, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education. They may offer resources and referrals to help individuals access other necessary services.
- Promote community resilience and support networks: These programs aim to build resilience within the community by fostering support networks, promoting community engagement, and empowering individuals to support each other.
- Reduce stigma around mental health: Community counseling programs work to reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health support in impoverished communities. They aim to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking help.