Swahili in Reframing Covid-19 and Mental Health Experiences in Nairobi

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Description for Program

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health cases increased exponentially (Moreno et al. 2018). Mental illness is heavily stigmatized; therefore, open discussion about the subject can reduce stigma and improve people's overall mental health. This study looks at the language choices and common phrases that university students use when discussing mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic. In-person interviews and online surveys were used to collect data from Nairobi university students. The findings revealed that students at Nairobi universities use Swahili to reframe mental health issues and COVID-19 pandemic experiences. Overall, the findings help raise awareness of how young Swahili speakers discuss mental health, choose words and phrases to combat stigma, and share knowledge. Understanding how people discuss mental illness can help mental health advocates communicate more effectively about mental health.

Author

• Lucy Meigs, Washington University Medical School