As the world marks World Mental Health Day under the theme "Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change," attention is turning to the importance of listening to people dealing with mental health conditions and recognizing their experiences.

In one of Nairobi's informal settlements, a community-based project is using psychodrama to help people confront painful experiences, express difficult emotions and explore healing through guided role-play and shared experiences.

Psychodrama is a form of experiential group therapy developed by Romanian-born psychiatrist Jacob L. Moreno. It uses dramatic action, role reversal, storytelling and interaction with others to help people explore personal and interpersonal challenges.

A session may involve a participant reenacting an event, with other group members taking on roles in the situation. A facilitator guides the process, helping participants reflect on what they felt, how they responded and whether they can understand the experience differently.

Dr. Oliver Mbayi, a psychodrama practitioner and founder of Global Arts Intervention, describes the approach as a way of exploring truths people may not fully recognize about themselves.

"I like looking at psychodrama from Moreno's definition, that it is a scientific exploration of truth through drama," he said.

Exploring emotions through role-play

Unlike conventional talk therapy, psychodrama invites participants to act out situations from their lives rather than simply describe them. With the guidance of a trained facilitator, they reenact a difficult conversation, step into the role of another person or revisit an experience that continues to affect them. 

At 22, Linda Wanjala once aspired to become a model and actively pursued the career before eventually stepping away following a stumble on the runway. During her first psychodrama session, she was confronted with unexpected emotions as she revisited experiences she thought she had moved past.

"For me, it has triggered me with different emotions that I love because probably there were situations that I thought I have healed from, but probably there are still wounds," Wanjala said.

She added that opening up about those experiences felt satisfying and left her feeling relieved.

According to Dr. Mbayi, the group setting encourages social connection, giving participants an opportunity to engage with others and recognize that they are not alone in their struggles.

"When I look at psychodrama as a group therapy, I feel like it demystifies wellness, it demystifies mental health," Mbayi said, adding that many mental health challenges are linked to social experiences.

Finding support in shared experiences

For Teresia Nyambura, the sessions provide an opportunity to connect with others while navigating difficult thoughts.

Nyambura, who said she had survived two suicide attempts after often feeling misunderstood by those close to her, described herself as someone who tends to overthink. She said that although suicidal thoughts persist, participating in the sessions helps her cope.

"I love being in a community engaging with people because I feel like it helps me relieve myself and my mind," she said. "I wouldn't say I'm okay right now, but I'm better."

Gladys Akumu is one of the therapists of the sessions. According to her, psychodrama has helped community members open up by allowing them to share their experiences through storytelling and role-play.

Facilitators often introduce games, songs and dancing when sessions become emotionally intense, giving participants time to settle before continuing. Those who become overwhelmed may be offered individual support.

Mbayi said facilitators also assess when a participant needs help beyond what a group setting can provide. In such cases, referrals are made to appropriate services. 

Experiences involving sexual violence and other highly sensitive or complex cases require particular care are not explored casually in a group.

The initiative comes amid a significant mental health burden across Africa. The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 150 million people in the continent are living with mental health conditions, while services remain underfunded and access to care is limited, particularly in underserved communities.

In Kenya, the Ministry of Health estimated in September 2024 that common mental disorders affect about 10.3% of the population, with a treatment gap of approximately 75%. Stigma, limited awareness and gaps in diagnosis and access to professional care remain significant challenges.

These challenges have strengthened calls for approaches that make conversations about mental health more accessible and help communities recognize the importance of emotional well-being.