In many Kenyan homes, conversations about pain and mental health are often silenced. But silence does not protect us, it isolates us. In this episode of Safe Space, host Paulyne Wanyonyi speaks with Professor Lukoye Atwoli, a psychiatrist and mental health expert, about what truly drives suicide. Together, they unpack suicide as a manifestation of severe psychological distress and explore why it should be understood not as a personal failure, but as a signal that someone is struggling and needs support. The conversation goes deeper into the complex factors that shape suicide risk, including biology, psychology, and social environments. From early childhood experiences and trauma, to unemployment, violence, and social pressures, the episode examines the wider context that affects mental health in Kenya today. Professor Lukoye also explains why suicide should be seen as a public health issue, how suicidal behaviour can be a form of communication, and why understanding the full picture is essential for prevention and care. This episode invites us to rethink how we talk about suicide, how we respond to distress, and how communities can play a role in supporting those who are struggling. Listen to the full conversation and join us in breaking the silence. Support & Resources: Therapy Resource Catalogue - https://the-artisticpsychologist.com/therapy-mental-health-resources-by-the-artistic-psychologist/ External Suicide Toolkits - https://tr.ee/cQCujGXnvX Seeking Help Toolkit - https://tr.ee/orJUB1_Pu8 Grounding Exercises Toolkit - https://the-artisticpsychologist.com/grounding-exercises-a-quick-guide-for-intense-emotions/ Submit your Mental Health story via a voice note - Whatsapp Us on +254 788 036 727, Your story may be featured on our "In Your Own Words" segment of this podcast. Write for our Blog - https://zfrmz.com/H03NH23xUPly3ZJsEcVQ
In many Kenyan homes, conversations about pain and mental health are often silenced. But silence does not protect us, it isolates us. In this episode of Safe Space, host Paulyne Wanyonyi speaks with Professor Lukoye Atwoli, a psychiatrist and mental health expert, about what truly drives suicide.
Together, they unpack suicide as a manifestation of severe psychological distress and explore why it should be understood not as a personal failure, but as a signal that someone is struggling and needs support. The conversation goes deeper into the complex factors that shape suicide risk, including biology, psychology, and social environments.
From early childhood experiences and trauma, to unemployment, violence, and social pressures, the episode examines the wider context that affects mental health in Kenya today. Professor Lukoye also explains why suicide should be seen as a public health issue, how suicidal behaviour can be a form of communication, and why understanding the full picture is essential for prevention and care.
This episode invites us to rethink how we talk about suicide, how we respond to distress, and how communities can play a role in supporting those who are struggling.
Listen to the full conversation and join us in breaking the silence.
Support & Resources: Therapy Resource Catalogue - https://the-artisticpsychologist.com/therapy-mental-health-resources-by-the-artistic-psychologist/
External Suicide Toolkits - https://tr.ee/cQCujGXnvX
Seeking Help Toolkit - https://tr.ee/orJUB1_Pu8
Grounding Exercises Toolkit - https://the-artisticpsychologist.com/grounding-exercises-a-quick-guide-for-intense-emotions/
Submit your Mental Health story via a voice note - Whatsapp Us on +254 788 036 727,
Your story may be featured on our "In Your Own Words" segment of this podcast.
Write for our Blog - https://zfrmz.com/H03NH23xUPly3ZJsEcVQ