Over 100 teachers lost lives due to mental health issues, says welfare organisation

Over 100 teachers have lost their lives over mental health illnesses in the past three years, a welfare organisation has said. 

The Kenya Women Teachers Association said it is alarmed by the rising cases of mental health illnesses among teachers.

Kewota Kiambu chairperson Nancy Muhindi told the press on Thursday that teachers face mental issues with nowhere to turn to for help.

“The teachers carry a lot of load which include teaching and being with students and have also to deal with personal issues. Some are unable to cope with the situation hence end up being mentally ill," Muhindi said.

Most teachers suffered depression and some became alcoholics due to financial strain and social problems.

This comes amidst a strike by Junior Secondary School teachers who are  demanding better terms and compensation for the period they have worked but were underpaid. 

Seeing the rise in cases prompted Kewota to reach out to teachers and create awareness while linking the professionals with mental health counselors and experts to enable them get the much needed help.

"We have organised a mental health walk for teachers with the theme "10K steps for my teacher" which aims at reaching out to that teacher who is silently suffering," she said.

Muhindi called upon well-wishers to come out and join in the walk which will be held in Kiambu town on May 25, 2024 at 9am.

The walk will also be held in  Nairobi, Nakuru, Machakos, Migori and Kilifi counties on May 25 and 26.

“To support the teachers one can buy a t-shirt worth Sh1,000, a cap worth Sh500 and a wristband worth Sh300. We all passed through a teacher and we can support them," she said.

After the walk, experts will give mental health talks at the Kiambu primary school.

The Association also hopes to have a counseling center set up to cater for teachers and parents. 

“We will be giving teachers the first priority and we will also be counseling even the parents," she said.

Muhindi also urged teachers to take care of their health as they are tasked with the responsibility to watch over children.

"When a teacher has a sound mind they will be able to teach effectively. But in some instances, we have had the teachers have negative impact on the quality of education they are offering and this we have established that mental issue could be a contributing factor." 

Earlier this month, Kewota CEO Benta Opande had said an estimated 30 per cent of Kenyan teachers experience symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The association called for the establishment of comprehensive support systems, which will enable teachers cope with the rising mental health challenges occasioned by financial, family and work environment factors.

“When you are a teacher, the society expects you to be a role model so it negates that role when you say you have mental health issues,” Opande said. 

Kewota is committed to creating a supportive environment where teachers will feel empowered to seek help and access the resources they need.