KC Equatoria Mental Health training
Mental health challenges have been a big problem among the Ecuadorian population in Kansas City. Death by committing suicide and drug abuse have been rising here not only among Equatorian, south Sudanese but other African refugee communities. As it is a taboo to discuss publicly about suicidal deaths among Africans population in Kansas City generality, the accuracy of death through these means will never be recorded accurately but it is alarming. It is this urge and urgence, that prompted the Equatorian Community in Kansas City whose leader Regina Jacob a community social worker herself to explore ways of approaching this issue. This was followed by the ladies of Kansas City and the youth drafting a budget proposal to seek help from the state. Although it was first time without much experience, the state opened its heart to let them come out with something small.
With this small help the community did not take long and immediately organize adult training session for mental health aides. Mental health trainers from the state Ms. Celia Ruiz and Nikoya Helm were invited to conduct the training on January 28, 2023. The training was not only successful, but also enjoyable and engaging. Although participants were free to take short breaks in between, there was almost no one who dared to leave the room for break. Everyone was engaged and participated with keen interest. This training will make difference in the lives of Equatorian in Kansas City as trainees will now be able to recognize signs and symptoms that suggest a potential mental health challenge.
Mental health challenges are more prevalent among Equatorian because most horrific happenings such as killings in Lokiliri, Nimule, Kajokeji, Mangala, Magwi occur in Equatoria. In addition to traumatizing images of corpses, live gunfights, and arrogance by the preparators of those killings appearing almost daily in social media and especially WhatsApp groups.
Stigma against people suffering from mental challenges and suicidal deaths is hard to explain. In Kuku culture and the neighboring tribes whose cultures have been much influenced by Christianity for example, those who die by suicide will never get into heaven, because they made a short cut before being called by the lord. Likewise other communities have reasons as to why suicide deaths cannot be discussed publicly.
All in all, we hope that the state will keep supporting this Community even with other programs. The hope is also that some Equatorian families whose priorities have been dollar rush above community issues change their mind and join the team. January is always the toughest month for most South Sudanese families due to tax return money. Separation between families will mostly be felt during this month.