‘It’s okay to seek help’, Director Phil on men’s mental health awareness – Exclusive
Talented actor and film director Philip Karanja has taken a courageous step by encouraging men to be open about their mental health struggles and seek professional help when needed.
In an interview with Nairobi News, the father of one revealed that he personally engages with a therapist to navigate life’s challenges.
“Mental health is a conversation that is close to my heart, and I feel like men have become weak. If you look at the suicide rates, especially for men aged 25 and below, it’s so high, and it’s due to normal life pressure. Life is designed to have pressure. Whatever pressures we have shouldn’t be a reason for us to commit suicide. So, I would love for young people out there to find a way to be mentally strong, to strengthen their mental capability and wellness,” said Philip during the interview.
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He emphasised the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and urged young people to reach out when they’re not okay.
“It is very easy to be locked inside your house without people, especially with the digital era. The first step is to interact with people; don’t stay locked inside that house. At that time, you tend to make issues more serious than they are.”
Philip shared his own experience, stating: “I have friends, and I also see a therapist. It is very important to talk to people, especially when you are not okay. You solve so many problems by opening up.”
Reflecting on his academic journey, Philip discussed his KCSE result, emphasising that life goes beyond grades.
“I got a C plain, and Bien’s ‘A Student’ song has been an anthem for me since 2021. I feel like we were not favored by the school system that we had back then.
Most of us, when we were leaving schools, felt like failures. Grades back then favored those who got As because it was all about getting good grades, being an engineer, a doctor.
But for me, I was gifted in arts, and at that time, it was not recognised. It is just a grade on a paper, and life is waiting for you out there. No one has ever asked me for my papers for like 20 years.”
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In addition to his personal revelations, Philip discussed his latest film, “Haki Mwitu,” describing it as a show about four vigilantes tired of prevalent corruption who decide to take matters into their own hands.
He also shared exciting plans for his production company in the coming year, hinting at a new series and the release of a new film.
“There’s a lot to watch out for,” he added.