As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, experts, digital trainers and content creators gathered in Nairobi for a candid conversation on the realities of mental health in the fast-growing world of content creation.
The discussion, dubbed Human Mosaic, focused on the intense emotional pressure behind online fame and the importance of protecting mental wellness while building digital brands.
Standard Group health journalist Suleiman Kagwe, the brains behind the event, said it was inspired by the silent struggles many people face while navigating life, identity, careers and societal expectations.
“I wanted to create a platform where different voices, experiences and journeys could come together like pieces of a mosaic, to remind people that every story matters,” Kagwe said, adding that the event was born out of a desire to inspire connection, learning, healing and growth.
These local conversations reflect a worsening public health crisis.
According to data from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, mental health conditions account for about 13 per cent of the entire disease burden in the country. The commission estimates that up to 3.7 million Kenyans are quietly battling mental health issues while trying to sustain their livelihoods.
Dr Joe Njagi, Director at 3rd Park Hospital, urged creators to intentionally prioritise their mental wellbeing as they pursue success in the digital space.
He warned that the pressure to remain relevant, consistently produce content and maintain high audience engagement can easily lead to burnout, anxiety and emotional exhaustion.
“Content creation can look glamorous from the outside, but it comes with pressure, anxiety and emotional exhaustion. Creators need time to disconnect, rest and focus on themselves,” Dr Njagi said.
Global speaker and creative entrepreneur Sean Mungai recalled the intense pressure that comes with public life, noting that many people expected him to maintain an expensive lifestyle simply because of his online presence.
“People wanted me to live a scripted life,” Mungai said, explaining that social media often creates unrealistic expectations, forcing many to project success even when privately struggling.
Psychologist Moreen Ngari echoed these sentiments, highlighting a growing identity crisis among young people trying to fit into unrealistic social media standards.
Health expert Agnes Arora encouraged creators to separate their online personalities from their real lives, urging them to seek help whenever they feel overwhelmed instead of suffering in silence.
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