Haimi Estifanos
Haimi Estifanos picture
WHAT IS YOUR SPECIFIC AREA OF INTEREST IN YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY?

Anti-stigma advocacy.

WHY IS YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY IMPORTANT TO YOU?

My goal lies in creating a support system and safe space for the young people of Ethiopia, to ultimately one day create a more accepting and embracing community.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUR COMMUNITY?

In my country Ethiopia, mental health is something that is not focused on, and is more frowned upon than embraced. Saying you have mental health challenges is you not “appreciating what you have” or “being ungrateful”, rather than mental health being considered a health issue that is as equally important as any other.