Finding Hope: How Counseling and New Mental Health Tools Saved a Mother’s Life

When *Halima was referred to Kupenda in early 2025, she was facing overwhelming challenges. Her son, Kiptoo, who lives with microcephaly, was struggling to stay in school because she couldn’t afford the fees. At the same time, her husband had begun showing signs of erratic behavior, possibly linked to schizophrenia, and was no longer able to work.

Alone and under immense pressure to care for their six children, Halima began experiencing severe symptoms of depression—withdrawal, hopelessness, insomnia, hallucinations, and repeated suicidal thoughts. On several occasions, she made specific plans to take her own life.

Her situation came to the attention of a special-needs teacher at Kiptoo’s school, who referred her to Kupenda’s Mental Health Officer, Martha Omar. At their first meeting, Halima was so distressed she could hardly speak. But over time, she began to open up.

Martha, a trained psychologist, began offering regular counseling to Halima and her family. She also used Kupenda’s Disability Guidebook, which offers image-rich, easy-to-understand pages on topics like depression, anxiety, microcephaly, and schizophrenia. These tools helped her explain complex concepts in a culturally relevant way—especially in moments when stigma or trauma made verbal conversation difficult.

Halima began to feel heard and supported. She also learned practical ways to manage stress and access support from others in her community. She shared:

“Through counseling, you helped me develop adaptive coping mechanisms. It has enabled me to find meaning and purpose again in life after I had lost hope. I can also make informed decisions in challenging situations, and I have developed instrumental support from others which has reduced my distress. I can now engage in small jobs that help me support my family, which was not the case before.”

In addition to counseling, Martha supported the family with nutrition guidance—as Kiptoo and his siblings were malnourished—and school fee assistance so Kiptoo could continue his education.

Although many challenges remain, this compassionate and holistic support has given the family a new foundation of stability. And Halima now faces each day with renewed strength and hope.

*Name changed for privacy

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