As we commemorate Suicide Prevention Week, Upili is exploring innovative approaches to reduce suicide rates, particularly among Youth with Disabilities in Kenya. Suicide remains a leading cause of death for young people globally, with disabled youth facing disproportionately high risks. Addressing this crisis demands fresh strategies that reframe how we instill hope and purpose, guiding vulnerable individuals away from despair.
One promising approach centers on the concept of the “future self” – a psychological construct extensively studied by researchers like Hal Hershfield. Hershfield’s work demonstrates that individuals who feel strongly connected to their future selves are far more likely to make choices benefiting their long-term well-being. For Youth with Disabilities, this concept offers powerful hope and motivation, with implications beyond improved decision-making.
The idea that the future could surpass the present is transformative for young Kenyans with Disabilities.
In a world rife with daily challenges – from social stigma to physical and emotional barriers – the future often appears precisely as bleak as the present. While traditional encouragement can help, connecting with one’s future self through visualization or other exercises creates a profound psychological shift. This approach taps into inner reserves of strength and belief, providing an effective shield against depression and anxiety, which often stem from fears about the future.
The future self approach also aligns with the “end of history illusion,” a concept identified by strategic coach Dan Sullivan. This illusion refers to our human tendency to vastly underestimate how much we will change in the future. For those grappling with mental health challenges who believe their struggles will persist indefinitely, challenging this misconception can be life-changing. By fostering connections with future selves, we demonstrate positive change is not just possible, but almost inevitable.
The power of combining future self work with the end of history illusion lies in its ability to nurture resilience and offer hope. It provides a new, brighter perspective that might otherwise seem unattainable, potentially playing a crucial role in suicide prevention.
Practical interventions to bridge the present and future include guided exercises that encourage forward thinking.
Writing letters from the perspective of one’s future self, acknowledging current struggles while reassuring that these challenges will be overcome, can be particularly impactful. Another effective tool is creating “Future Self Vision Boards,” where individuals assemble visual representations of their future aspirations. These exercises, when tailored to address common difficulties faced by young Kenyans with Disabilities, can significantly reinforce connections with future selves.
In addition to personal exercises, it is important to incorporate cultural elements that resonate with Kenyan youth. Traditional Kenyan values, such as the importance of community and intergenerational responsibility, can be leveraged to reinforce the significance of one’s future self within a broader social context. By highlighting how their future selves will contribute positively to families and communities, young people find additional motivation to persevere through present hardships.
By helping young Kenyans build stronger connections to their future selves, we equip them with essential mental health tools to navigate current challenges. At Upili we believe this strategy could play a pivotal role in reducing suicide rates among Youth with Disabilities in Kenya. As we reflect on Suicide Prevention Week, let us commit to fostering innovations and supportive environments where every young person can envision and connect with a hopeful future. Together, we will reshape the narrative around suicide and cultivate a more resilient, optimistic generation.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to local mental health professionals or contact the Befrienders Kenya helpline at +254 722 178 177
