SPRINGFIELD, Ore. — A grieving mother is sharing her story about the suicide of her young daughter, hoping to raise awareness about mental health, and reduce the stigma that comes with suicide. 

“My daughter [Kaleigha], she just turned 13,” Jaimie Brewer said. “She was just a very, very sweet little girl. And I’m not just saying that because she was my daughter. She’s very, very sweet. She thought about everybody. She put herself last.”

Brewer is a Springfield mom, who just experienced an unthinkable tragedy. 

“She was battling a little bit of depression and some anxiety issues. And on June 24th, she took her own life,” she said. “And I walked in and found her.”

It’s something we talk about all the time; the statistics, the number of people- the number of children- who take their own lives. 

988: National Suicide Prevention Hotline

“Every morning you wake up and think about how you can’t wake her up and say good morning. You can never see her again. And you always feel like, like I still go to say something about her, or to talk to her almost. And she’s not there,” Brewer said. 

According to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2021, more than 48,000 people killed themselves. That number jumped by 2.6% last year, when nearly 50,000 people took their own lives.

 Here in Oregon, a report released by Lane County Public Health, dubbed ‘Suicide in Lane County’, tells us the numbers in our state are astronomical. 

According to that report, Oregon’s suicide rate has been consistently higher than the national average for more than 30 years. It also said between 2000 and 2020, 1,458 people died by suicide in Lane County alone. 

Dan Isaacson is a local advocate for mental health awareness in Lane County. He said in 2023 alone, eight children have died by suicide. 

“We rank last in mental health care funding around the country, we’re first in addiction,” Isaacson said. “I think oftentimes, we’re at odds because we’re living in conflict with our values. But that’s changing. I mean, we go through our lives thinking this is just normal but it’s not.”

This summer, Governor Tina Kotek and the Oregon Legislature signed six bills to address what some call ‘the behavioral health crisis in Oregon’. 

These bills will send funding to various areas; for example, $7.7 million going to child and adult suicide prevention, $4.9 million to community mental health programs for jail diversion services, and much more. 

“It’s a drop of the bucket, and it took 40 years to get to this point. It’s not going to be a one legislative session to get out of it,” Isaacson said. “It’s going to require a consistent change in the way we think about the problem, rather than just throwing money at it.”

Isaacson and others said talking about it in our own homes, with our friends and family, will help destigmatize suicide.

Todd Noble is the Public and Mental Health Director in Linn County. 

He said one of the main things his team keeps in mind when talking about mental health issues is open-mindedness. 

“We don’t want it to be uncomfortable, we want it to be an open discussion, and breaking down stigma,” Noble said. 

They do that by keeping a therapist in all of their schools. Noble said that way, you don’t disrupt a child’s day, and it can be much easier to open up about their struggles. And it doesn’t stop at the schools; Linn County Mental Health officials also go to any area to simply talk about suicide prevention and mental health help. 

“That’s part of prevention, is not only providing the service, but also breaking down those stigmas and realizing it is not a weakness, we’re all human, and to be human means you’re going to have struggles at times, and mental health is very important,” Noble said. 

In Eugene, the Eugene School District 4J has a program called ‘Care Solace’. It’s a mediation tool between a patient and a mental health provider. 

In Benton County, there’s a strong connection between mental health and law enforcement. 

The ‘Crisis, Outreach, Response and Engagement’ team, or CORE, is a relationship between the Benton County Health Department and Corvallis Police. It was created after a 58% increase in calls to police related to mental health services between 2018 and 2021. 

“That’s something that we take very seriously, and we make sure our officers are well-trained to respond appropriately to that. Crisis response and deescalation are interwoven into all the training that we give our officers, regardless of topic,” Captain Joel Goodwin said. “Mental health is not something that can be fixed in a 10 or 15 minute window of time, it’s sometimes a lifetime of issues… so from our standpoint, it’s really mostly about how we can connect them with the best resources and get them on path towards a better mental health situation.”

Goodwin said anytime police get a call about someone in crisis, someone from Benton County Mental Health comes along. That’s where people like Eric Bowling come in; he’s the Benton County Program Manager for all things crisis. 

“If we were on-site, we’d send one to two people,” he said. “One qualified mental health professional or licensed practitioner do the safety and risk assessment, because our same bar is that of the police departments and sheriff’s department, law enforcement in general — the imminent risk and danger to us to actually take any action. And then we also have the second person who can follow up the next day or the day after and get them connected to services long term.”

According the that report from the CDC, people between the ages of 25 and 65 and older, are at higher risk for suicide. 

David Geels is the Behavioral Health Director in Coos County. He said at one point, seven or eight elderly people died by suicide in the county, all around the same time. 

He said he and his colleagues tried looking into what may have caused so many people to take their own lives. 

“Most of these individuals didn’t reach out for help, there were no indicators they were at risk, most of them had seen their primary care provider within the last month or two, none of them had any significant health concerns either. And so, it was really hard to understand how we would be able to intervene,” Geels said. “You know, a lot of people who are at risk for suicide, they can be very quiet about it, and if there’s not a lot of social people around them who might not notice or engage, it might go unnoticed.”

As we know, it can difficult to talk about what’s going on in our lives; we often don’t want to bother those around us. 

But one local man is hoping to change that. 

Frank King is an advocate in Lane County. He also is a comedian. The topic of his stand-up routines might be a surprise. 

“I am the mental health comedian, which seems like an odd juxtaposition,” King said. “People ask, ‘Wait a minute, a comedian talking about depression and thoughts of suicide? Advocating?”. Well, it runs in my family, it’s called ‘generational depression and suicide.’ my grandmother and my great aunt; I came close enough in 2010. I can tell you what the barrel of my gun tastes like.”

It’s an unconventional way to talk about suicide, to say the least. King uses humor, or in his words funny personal anecdotes to destigmatize mental health issues. 

“Helps the difficult topic get digested. Puts people at ease, because it is a taboo subject, even though one person dies by suicide every nine minutes in the U.S., hardly anybody talks about it unless you bring it up. What I discovered was when I brought it up, everybody has got a story,” he said.

Even with people in our communities like King, who are working as hard as they can to make sure everyone feels seen and heard, suicide rates — in Oregon especially — are still high. 

Although, according to some data, there was a decrease in suicide rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During COVID we had a consistent talk about mental health, which was great. And there were a lot of bad things that came out of COVID. But one of the gleaming spots that we saw was a reduction in suicide, which we weren’t expecting,” Isaacson said. “And it came from the fact that people were calling people that they wouldn’t normally be calling, or spending more time on the phone that they normally wouldn’t have spent.”

So, with more and more people talking about these uncomfortable topics, what else is holding us back from getting people the critical mental health help they need?

Todd Noble said, it’s staffing. He said we need more qualified people. And as he oversees mental health coverage in Linn, Benton and Lincoln Counties, staffing is the biggest issues these areas and other parts of Western Oregon are facing.

“Traditionally Linn County’s strength has been our mental health program, it’s been one of the strongest in the state, and because we have so much need, and we want to be successful. Linn County is pragmatic, we want to get the work done, but the biggest challenge right now is hiring staff. We don’t know where people have gone, but I think every single business has that issue, and certainly everybody in health has that. Our challenge now is to get our full workforce because there has been no time in any of our lifetimes where we have had more need for behavioral health services, breaking down stigmas, prevention, all of that important work, and that’s why we’re in this work,” he said. 

One of the ways Gov. Kotek and the Oregon Legislature hopes to combat these staffing issues, is through Senate Bill 1044 A. It’s giving money for various purposes related to behavioral health treatment. As just one part of the bill, $20 million worth of incentives is being given out to help recruit and retain health care providers in ‘underserved’ areas.

But until those staffing levels increase, experts said the best thing we can do is talk to people.

“We’re all busy, we’re all trying to do a million things at once, but if we just spend a little bit of extra time to spend a little bit more time in the lives of our loved ones and the people we know, to acknowledge and see them, it makes a measurable impact on our community,” Isaacson said. 

Even a simple phone call could lead to some much needed, deeper conversations.

And while it can be difficult to open up, parents like Jamie Brewer said to just reach out. 

“All the people that love and care about you if you hurt yourself, you’re definitely just passing the pain onto them,” Jamie said. “Because this pain is extremely bad, and I don’t wish it upon anybody.”

It could keep you from experiencing the heartbreak and devastation she’s going through, something she doesn’t wish on anyone else. 

“I would say that it could happen to your kid. I didn’t think it would happen to mine. Me and Kaleigha the day before, we were laughing and having such a good mom-daughter day,” Jamie said. “I was just telling her how much I love her that day. And I would tell her all the time how much I love her and I tell her how happy I was to be spending the day with her, and just like it’s such a special day. she was there and she was gone the next day.”

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 988, a resource you can use 24/7. 

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Breaking the Stigma: Payton serves as CCS mental health coordinator

Published 11:15 am Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Lindsey Payton was brought aboard to represent the Chilton County Schools District as its Mental Health Services Coordinator in August. (LINDSEY PAYTON | CONTRIBUTED)

By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

In recent years, mental health, especially that of students and young people, has received more backing and attention than it has every before. For good reason, because in the past two years, the state of Alabama has seen the rate of mental health in young adults and children decline significantly. Reasons for that consist of issues that other generations have not had to deal with such as coming off a global pandemic and the effects of social media.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than a third of high school students said they had poor mental health and just under half said they had persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness during the past year.

Enter Lindsey Payton, the new Chilton County Schools Mental Health Services Coordinator.

“Because students were feeling that way, and statistics were showing that, I think it raised the awareness for leaders in Alabama to feel like they needed to invest their money and get a mental health staff and program in the school systems.” Payton said.

Last year, (Alabama House of Representative, District 24) Nathaniel Ledbetter joined with Alabama Governor Kay Ivey to fund a $4.5 million appropriation to increase the number of mental health coordinators in the state of Alabama school districts. As a result, there is now a mental health coordinator in each school district in the state of Alabama.

A position that is new to CCS, but one that has been in the works for about two years, the position began as a state-funding position. The school district had to apply for a $40,000 grant to cover the salary of the coordinator and agree to provide a space with the freedom to interact with student, teacher and parents.

“Our district applied for that and received the grant money, and that is how I got here,” Payton said.

Payton is a registered nurse, and her background is in intensive care and surgical services. However, in 2020, she had her own bout with mental health. That developed a passion for mental health that she could not shake and decided to make a career shift.

“I developed a passion for mental health from going through my own mental illness in 2020,” Payton said. “I was having anxiety and panic attacks, so, from that point I decided I really wanted to focus on helping people understand that it is okay to get help. In fact, I feel like it is imperative to get help so that you can go on and regain your mental health to live a purposeful and productive life.”

District Counselor Coordinator Laura Baker has seen the need for the position for quite a while, but the funding for the position was not available. Now, after securing the grant, CCS now has a personal Mental Health Services Coordinator to care for the over 8,000 students in the CCS school district.

“As the Chilton County District Mental Health Coordinator, I will bridge the gap between schools’ counselors and outside-community resources, which will provide families with the best care for their specific need,” Payton said. “I also want to break the stigma of mental health … Sadly, we still face that stigma, and people do not want to hear they have mental health issues, but we all have mental health issues.”

Payton said she is planning mental health awareness events for the county after the start of the year including a mental health awareness campaign. She will also be holding small group sessions with students and helping connect families with personal mental health services.

“I am very excited, and I do not only see my role as a resource for the over 8,000 students in our district, but also as an advocate for raising awareness about the importance of taking care of your mental health in the greater community,” Payton said. “Although I am going to focus and be here serving the students, it is also a parent outreach and family connect system, so that I can provide awareness and resources for people to make sure they are taking the time to take care of their mental health.”

Payton offered advice to any student struggling with mental health, and that is to ask yourself some of these questions each day to evaluate ones mental health — How am I coping with bad news or good news? Am I having a bad day or a good day? Is the jar always half empty or half full?

Answering those questions truthfully each day can give one a good gauge of how their mental health is doing that specific day.

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1. Depression: A common mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and low energy levels. Seeking therapy or medication can greatly alleviate symptoms.

2. Anxiety Disorders: These include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication can help individuals manage their anxiety.

3. Bipolar Disorder: Individuals with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood swings, ranging from manic episodes (highs) to depressive episodes (lows). Medication and therapy are crucial in managing this disorder.

4. Schizophrenia: A chronic mental disorder characterized by distorted thinking, hallucinations, and difficulty in distinguishing between reality and imagination. Antipsychotic medications and therapy can help individuals manage symptoms.

5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that individuals feel compelled to perform. Therapy, particularly exposure and response prevention, is effective in treating OCD.

6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Occurring after a traumatic event, PTSD can cause flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. Therapy, such as cognitive processing therapy or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, can help individuals heal.

7. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): ADHD is characterized by difficulty in focusing, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms.

8. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): BPD involves unstable relationships, intense emotions, and a distorted self-image. Dialectical behavior therapy and other forms of therapy can help individuals with BPD.

9. Eating Disorders: These include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Treatment often involves therapy, nutrition counseling, and medical monitoring.

10. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): ASD affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. Early intervention, therapy, and support systems are crucial for individuals with ASD.

11. Substance Use Disorders: Addiction to drugs or alcohol can significantly impact mental health. Seeking professional help and support groups are essential for recovery.

12. Dissociative Disorders: Dissociative identity disorder (previously known as multiple personality disorder) is the most well-known among these disorders. Therapy can help individuals with dissociative disorders integrate their identities.

13. Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): Individuals with ASPD often disregard the rights of others, lack empathy, and engage in impulsive behaviors. Treatment can involve therapy and, in some cases, medication.

14. Schizoaffective Disorder: This disorder combines symptoms of schizophrenia and mood disorders. Medication, therapy, and support systems can help manage symptoms.

15. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): SAD is a type of depression that occurs during specific seasons, often in the winter months. Light therapy, medication, and therapy can help individuals cope with SAD.

16. Insomnia: A sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. Therapy and lifestyle changes can improve sleep patterns.

17. Panic Disorder: Panic attacks, sudden feelings of terror, and physical symptoms such as increased heart rate are common in panic disorder. Therapy and medication can help individuals manage panic attacks.

18. Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear and anxiety in social situations are hallmarks of social anxiety disorder. Therapy, exposure techniques, and medication can help individuals overcome their fears.

19. Major Depressive Disorder: Similar to depression, major depressive disorder involves persistent sadness and loss of interest. Therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes can alleviate symptoms.

20. Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Individuals with this disorder experience excessive worry and anxiety about everyday events. Therapy, medication, and stress-management techniques can help manage symptoms.

Seeking support for mental health disorders is essential. It is crucial to remember that mental illnesses are not character flaws or weaknesses but legitimate medical conditions. Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health is vital to creating an environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, encourage them to seek professional help. Mental health professionals, therapists, and support groups can provide the necessary support and guidance to navigate through these challenges. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and everyone deserves to live a fulfilling and mentally healthy life.

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One such celebrity is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who has been very open about his battle with depression. In a 2018 interview with Express, Johnson revealed that he had been through some “dark times” and had suffered from depression since he was a teenager. He said that he had learned to cope with it through exercise, therapy, and talking about his feelings.

Another celebrity who has been vocal about her mental health struggles is Lady Gaga. In a 2019 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Gaga opened up about the trauma she had experienced and how it had led to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She also discussed how she copes with her mental health issues through therapy, medication, and self-care.

Similarly, singer Demi Lovato has been very open about her struggles with bipolar disorder and addiction. Lovato has used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and to encourage others to seek help if they are struggling.

These are just a few examples of celebrities who have spoken out about their mental health struggles in recent years. By doing so, they are helping to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness and encouraging others to seek help if they need it.

The effects of these celebrities’ openness about their struggles have been significant. According to a study conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 46% of Americans say that hearing a celebrity talk about their mental health struggles has made them more likely to seek help for their own mental health issues.

Moreover, these celebrities are using their platforms to advocate for change. Lady Gaga, for example, founded the Born This Way Foundation, which aims to promote mental wellness and empower young people.

In conclusion, the decision by celebrities to speak out about their mental health struggles is an important step in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness. By sharing their experiences, they are helping to reduce the shame and isolation that many people feel when dealing with mental health issues. They are also helping to raise awareness and encourage others to seek help if they need it.

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Fortunately, there has been a growing movement in recent years to break down the taboo surrounding mental health and encourage open conversations about this important topic. This shift has been driven by a number of factors, including increased awareness of mental health issues, greater access to information and resources, and a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in overall well-being.

One of the key ways in which the taboo surrounding mental health is being broken down is through the efforts of mental health advocates and organizations. These groups are working to raise awareness of mental health issues and provide support and resources for those who are struggling. They are also working to combat the stigma that surrounds mental health by promoting open and honest conversations about mental illness and encouraging people to seek help when they need it.

Another important factor in breaking down the taboo surrounding mental health is increased media coverage of mental health issues. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in news stories, articles, and documentaries about mental health, which has helped to raise awareness and educate the public about the issues surrounding mental health.

Social media has also played a significant role in breaking down the taboo surrounding mental health. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have given individuals the opportunity to share their experiences with mental illness and connect with others who are going through similar struggles. This has helped to create a sense of community and support for those who may have previously felt isolated or alone in their struggles.

Despite these positive developments, there is still much work to be done to break down the taboo surrounding mental health. Many people still feel uncomfortable discussing mental health issues, and there is a significant amount of misinformation and misunderstanding surrounding mental illness.

To continue the progress that has been made, it is important for individuals, organizations, and the media to continue to promote open and honest conversations about mental health. This can be done by sharing personal stories, providing accurate information and resources, and encouraging people to seek help when they need it.

Breaking down the taboo surrounding mental health is crucial for the well-being of individuals and society as a whole. By encouraging open conversations about mental health, we can help to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental illness and ensure that individuals have access to the support and resources they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

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Mohamed Khashaba, co-founder of Egypt-based start-up Takestep, first came up with the idea for the healthcare technology platform after a family member’s long and expensive journey of treatment to cure him from drug addiction.

After grappling with addiction for seven years – including several stays at drug rehabilitation centres, enduring five relapse episodes and spending millions of Egyptian pounds – the relative has recovered and is a co-founder of the business.

The journey exposed the gaps in the treatment process, inspiring Mr Khashaba to start Takestep in 2018 to help those living with addiction, as well as their families or guardians.

The entrepreneur observed a need for addiction treatment centres with stricter medical supervision, an expanded capacity to cater to the higher proportion of female addicts and cheaper services that are inclusive, he says.

“The biggest barrier to seeking treatment is social stigma,” Mr Khashaba says. “They worry about what people will think of them in the neighbourhood, in the workplace, in social circles … social stigma is a global phenomenon.”

The online platform aims to connect the stakeholders of the treatment process with patients and their guardians, to help them take control of their recovery and avoid potential relapses.

“I remember the first time we knew that a family member was facing an addiction issue, we didn’t know where to go,” Mr Khashaba says.

“We couldn’t ask neighbours, colleagues or friends. We were alone in this journey, looking here and there.

“He entered a treatment facility for one year, then relapsed within 15 days after getting out. We felt it was a scam, that there was something wrong with the system.”

In recent years, the abuse of drugs – in particular, prescription medication – has become a growing problem in the wider Middle East.

For example, tramadol, an opiate used to treat moderate to severe pain, is known to be widely abused by addicts.

The use of Captagon, a dangerous amphetamine, has spread across the Middle East.

The Captagon trade in the Middle East grew exponentially in 2021 to more than $5 billion, posing an increasing health and security risk to the region, a 2022 report by the New Lines Institute said.

The research painted an alarming picture of the impact that booming Captagon production is having on the region.

“The Captagon trade is a rapidly growing illicit economy in the Middle East and Mediterranean,” said the report, written by analysts Caroline Rose and Alexander Soderholm.

War on Drugs: The Captagon Crisis

Takestep focuses on addiction and general psychiatry, offering services both to individual and corporate clients through web and mobile-based apps.

It offers round-the-clock support for addicts through individual consultations and long-term packages for recovery with licensed psychiatrists and psychologists specialising in different types of addictions, Mr Kashaba says.

The treatment plan also includes an “aftercare” phase to prevent relapses.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the start-up further expanded its offering, with its experts addressing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, emotional eating, phobias and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Takestep also focuses on outreaches to rural areas where access to addiction-treatment centres and mental health services is limited and patients are often underserved, Mr Kashaba says.

In these areas, where internet connections are sometimes patchy, Takestep says it pays for outbound calls made to patients and accepts payments through various methods, including through Egyptian digital payments company Fawry.

Takestep has also signed B2B partnerships with companies seeking to offer mental health services to their employees at a discounted rate.

The biggest barrier to seeking treatment is social stigma

Mohamed Kashaba, co-founder of Takestep

Overall, sessions are priced anywhere from 70 Egyptian pounds ($2.30) to 200 pounds, depending on the type and duration of packages, he says.

Since its inception, Takestep has helped 32,000 patients across 11 countries in the region, Mr Kashaba says.

Currently, it’s target customers are patients in rural areas, as well as the families of addicts – both relapsed or recovering – and women as they are often more open to seeking help than their male counterparts.

About 75 per cent of its patients are women as there are even fewer addiction treatment centres available to them due to social stigma, he says.

Takestep’s business model is based on monetising the subscriptions of companies and individual patients.

Earning an annual revenue of about $50,000, the start-up is “making good money because there is a big gap in the market” as the number of patients exceeds the capacity of addiction treatment centres, Mr Kashaba says.

Patients and their families are also frustrated by frequent relapses following treatment and “want to try a new way and discover other ways of healing”, he says.

Demand for Takestep’s services has grown from the highs recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic as tough economic conditions have led to an increase in mental health conditions such as depression, says Mr Kashaba.

Revenue is growing by 37 per cent and the number of active users is up 26 per cent on a monthly basis, he says.

Takestep’s experts hold a minimum of master’s degrees in their fields and are licensed by Egyptian health authorities to work in the country, according to the co-founder.

The platform also follows medical standards and regulations set by one of its co-founders who has more than 25 years of experience in the field of addiction treatment and has held various government positions in this medical area, Mr Kashaba says.

The Captagon crisis in the Middle East

Looking ahead, Takestep intends to expand its operations in Egypt and enter other markets in the Gulf.

The start-up plans to raise $1 million in a new funding round and is currently in talks with venture capital firms focused on health technology, Mr Kashaba says.

It will use the funds to expand into the GCC and open its first in-person addiction treatment centre in Egypt.

The planned centre will be in a rural area and will operate a mixed model of in-person treatment for 28 days, followed by online “after care” in which patients can stay in touch with experts who supervised their recovery, Mr Kashaba says.

The start-up has raised about $500,000 from the founders and $180,000 from angel investors.

Venture capital funding in Egypt rose by 3.2 per cent annually in 2022 to $517 million, according to start-up data platform Magnitt. However, the number of deals fell by 3 per cent to 160 last year, from 165 in 2021.

Mr Kashaba called for more venture capital funding for HealthTech start-ups.

“Social stigma is our main problem, we need to raise awareness massively,” he says.

“There is also a need for better regulation of the online mental health start-ups sector.”

Company Profile

Name: Takestep

Started: March 2018

Founders: Mohamed Khashaba, Mohamed Abdallah, Mohamed Adel Wafiq and Ayman Taha

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: health technology

Employees: 11 full time and 22 part time

Investment stage: pre-Series A

Egyptian start-up Takestep’s co-founder and chief executive Mohamed Khashaba. Photo: Takestep

Q&A with Takestep co-founder Mohamed Khashaba

Why is setting up a business with social impact important to you?

Setting up a business with social impact in the Mena region holds particular significance for us as founders of a mental health online platform. This region, with its unique economic challenges and underserved populations, requires focused attention to address the critical gaps in mental health support, characterised by limited resources, stigma and inadequate access to quality mental health services.

The business helps us in empowering vulnerable populations, promoting economic resilience and challenging stigma.

What new skills have you learnt since launching your start-up?

Running the business has helped me to learn about mental health advocacy, data analysis and insights, resilience and adaptability.

How has the pandemic affected your business?

The Covid-19 crisis has increased demand for mental health support, accelerated the shift to online services, sped up digital transformation, expanded our geographical reach and made funding opportunities and investments more competitive.

How is your service different from other mental health platforms in the region?

We offer 24/7 access to mental support, a flat rate for our services, 100 per cent medical supervision and easy access to our services thanks to our outbound call offering.

We use innovative tools that empower our service providers, we work as a team (psychiatrists and psychologists) and we offer … a virtual treatment facility.

What changes in digital mental health care should patients expect in the next decade?

I strongly believe that the next decade will see a significant shift towards more personalised and accessible mental health care, a reduction in the stigma surrounding mental health and increased access to care for those who live in rural or underserved areas.

We expect more integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into mental health care.

We also see more emphasis on peer support and community building. Online platforms and social networks will provide patients with a safe space to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.

Updated: June 19, 2023, 4:30 AM

Company Profile

Name: Takestep

Started: March 2018

Founders: Mohamed Khashaba, Mohamed Abdallah, Mohamed Adel Wafiq and Ayman Taha

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: health technology

Employees: 11 full time and 22 part time

Investment stage: pre-Series A

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One way individuals can share their stories is through writing. Personal essays, blog posts, and social media can all provide a platform for individuals to share their experiences and offer insights into how they overcame their challenges. Writing can also be therapeutic for the writer, as it allows them to process their emotions and reflect on their journey.

Another way to share stories is through public speaking. Speaking engagements at schools, community events, and conferences can offer a powerful platform for individuals to share their experiences and inspire others. Hearing personal stories from individuals who have experienced mental health challenges can help break down stereotypes and foster empathy and understanding.

Sharing stories can also be done through art and creative expression. Photography, music, painting, and other forms of art can all offer a unique perspective on mental health challenges and the journey of overcoming them. Art can also be a powerful way to communicate emotions and experiences that may be difficult to express in words.

Breaking the silence and sharing stories of overcoming mental health challenges can have a profound impact on individuals who may be struggling. It can provide a sense of community and connection, as well as offer hope and inspiration for those who may be in the midst of their own journey.

It is important to remember that sharing personal stories is a deeply personal choice, and not everyone may feel comfortable doing so. However, for those who do choose to share their experiences, it is important to do so in a safe and supportive environment. This may mean seeking out a therapist or support group, or simply choosing to share with trusted friends and family members.

In conclusion, breaking the silence and sharing stories of overcoming mental health challenges can be a powerful way to combat stigma and provide hope to those who may be struggling. Through writing, public speaking, art, and other forms of expression, individuals can share their experiences and offer insights into how they overcame their challenges. It is important to remember that sharing personal stories is a deeply personal choice, and individuals should always prioritize their own mental health and well-being.

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1. Take a break

Sometimes, the best way to overcome writer’s block is to take a break. Step away from your writing and engage in another activity that you enjoy. This could be going for a walk, reading a book, or listening to music. Allow your mind to relax and reset, then come back to your writing with a fresh perspective.

2. Keep a writing routine

Creating a writing routine can help combat writer’s block. Set a specific time each day to write and stick to it. This will help you develop a habit of writing, making it easier for the words to flow when you sit down to write.

3. Try a different writing style

If you are struggling with a particular piece of writing, try a different writing style. For example, if you are having trouble writing a novel, try writing poetry or a short story. This change of pace can help jumpstart your creativity and get the words flowing again.

4. Write freely

When you are experiencing writer’s block, it can be helpful to write without any restrictions or expectations. Write freely, without worrying about grammar or structure. This can help you break through any mental barriers and get your creative juices flowing.

5. Change your environment

Changing your environment can help stimulate creativity. If you normally write at home, try writing at a coffee shop or a park. This change of scenery can help spark new ideas and break through any mental blocks.

6. Talk to someone

Sometimes, talking to someone about your writing can help you overcome writer’s block. Share your ideas with a friend or fellow writer and get their feedback. This can help you gain a new perspective and approach your writing from a new angle.

In conclusion, writer’s block is a natural part of the creative process, but it doesn’t have to be a roadblock. By trying these strategies, you can overcome writer’s block and keep creating. Remember to be patient with yourself and trust in your abilities as a writer.

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One of the most significant barriers to accessing mental health resources is financial constraints. Many individuals simply cannot afford the cost of mental health services, which can be prohibitively expensive, especially when they are not covered by insurance. This can lead to a lack of treatment and support for those who need it most, leaving them to struggle with mental health issues on their own.

Another barrier to accessing mental health resources is social stigma. Many individuals are reluctant to seek help for mental health issues due to the fear of being stigmatized or discriminated against. This can be especially true for individuals who belong to marginalized groups, such as those with a history of substance abuse, those living in poverty, or individuals from minority communities.

A lack of awareness about the available mental health resources is another significant barrier that prevents individuals from accessing the support they need. Many people simply do not know where to turn for help, or they may not be aware of the different types of mental health services available to them. This can lead to a delay in treatment, which can have serious consequences for their mental health and overall well-being.

Breaking down these barriers to accessing mental health resources is essential if we are to ensure that everyone has the support they need to maintain good mental health. One way to do this is to increase access to affordable mental health services. This can be achieved by providing subsidies and other financial assistance to individuals who cannot afford the cost of treatment.

Another way to break down the barriers to accessing mental health resources is to increase awareness about the available resources. This can be done through public awareness campaigns, community outreach programs, and other initiatives that help individuals understand the importance of seeking help for mental health issues and where to turn for support.

Finally, it is essential to address social stigma surrounding mental health issues. This can be achieved by promoting open and honest dialogue about mental health, challenging negative stereotypes and misconceptions, and providing education and support to individuals who are struggling with mental health issues.

In conclusion, breaking down the barriers to accessing mental health resources is crucial if we are to ensure that everyone has access to the support they need to maintain good mental health. By increasing access to affordable mental health services, raising awareness about available resources, and addressing social stigma, we can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for individuals struggling with mental health issues.

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Women are more likely to experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. This is due to a number of factors, including hormonal changes, societal pressures, and gender-based violence. Women are also more likely to experience trauma, such as sexual assault or domestic violence, which can have a profound impact on their mental health.

Despite this, many women feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk about their mental health issues. They fear that they will be judged or labeled as crazy. This fear is often compounded by the fact that mental health services are not always accessible or affordable.

Breaking the taboo around women’s mental health is important for several reasons. Firstly, it can help to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues. By talking openly about mental health, we can help to normalize it and encourage people to seek help when they need it.

Secondly, it can help to raise awareness about the unique challenges that women face when it comes to mental health. This can help to inform policy and practice, and ensure that mental health services are tailored to the needs of women.

Finally, breaking the taboo around women’s mental health can help to empower women to take control of their own mental health. By talking openly about their experiences, women can support each other, share coping strategies, and advocate for better mental health services.

There are many ways that we can break the taboo around women’s mental health. We can start by talking openly and honestly about our own experiences. We can also support organizations that are working to raise awareness and provide support for women’s mental health issues.

It is time to recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that women’s mental health deserves the same attention and care. By breaking the taboo and talking openly about women’s mental health, we can create a more supportive and inclusive society where everyone can thrive.

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