According to WHO Mental health is an area of massive concern across the world. Considerable 1 out of 4 persons who seek healthcare in Kenya have a mental health condition.
WHO further asserts that mental health and well-being are fundamental to our collective and individual ability as humans to think, emote, interact with each other, earn a living and enjoy life.
Mental health includes an individual's cognitive, behavioural, and emotional well-being.
It's all about how an individual thinks, feels, and behaves.
Mental health and well-being affect daily living, relationships, substance and alcohol use disorders, and physical health.
We live in a social context hence our socialization and impacts in our lives, interpersonal connections, and physical influences contribute to mental ill health.
Stress, depression, and anxiety have lately become of great concern globally and have affected mental health and well-being.
The challenges have disrupted many people’s lives, families, communities and societies.
The WHO affirms that mental health is “more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities.”
Good mental health is not merely managing mental health conditions but is more of looking after ongoing wellness and happiness.
Fundamentally, all efforts are made at the individual, societal and government levels to ensure that mental health is preserved and restored for the benefit of individuals, the community and society at large.
Former Ministry of Health CAS, Dr Mercy Mwangangi while out mental health launching the Kenya Mental Health Action Plan (2021-2025) noted that mental health remains an integral pillar in the country’s health system and social-economic development.
She further called stakeholders into action through concerted efforts aimed at boosting mental health care systems through investment, dedication and planning for resources, coordination, oversight, awareness creation and advocacy.
Despite the efforts by the Ministry of Health mental health challenges remains a mammoth societal problem calling for urgent attention.
The hard economic times and conflicting relationships have seen Kenya experience unprecedented and avoidable cases of suicide, murders and assault cases due to mental health challenges.
Sadly, some communities still believe that mental illnesses were is connected to curses, witchcraft, and spiritual problems. Fortunately, mental illness can be treated and managed if and when handled properly by professionals.
Despite efforts by the Ministry of Health to address mental health challenges, Kenya has inadequate specialists to address these challenges.
The country barely has 100 psychiatrists for a population of about 48 million.
The country also has inadequate support staff like clinical psychologists and medical social workers.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakuminchia in collaboration with the Council of Governors are striving to increase the number of community health promoters which will be a big boost to the mental health campaign.
As the government executes the recommendations on reforms made by the Dr Frank Njenga-led task force on mental health there is a need for further advocacy on mental health issues.
This calls for a concerted effort by all stakeholders including employers, family, religious organizations, political class, opinion leaders, development and implanting partners, teachers, and caregivers among others to work together to ensure that Kenyans are made aware of the benefits of upholding good mental health condition and seeking for health whenever challenges confront.
There is a need for an urgent campaign to make Kenyans appreciate that mental health or psychiatric conditions are common and can be treated.
The path to improved health includes different treatment methods for mental health the common ones being psychotherapy or counselling, prescription medicine, and support groups among other therapies.
Other therapies include physical activity, like sporting activities. They can also include creative therapies including using art, music, movement, or writing.
These therapies are aimed at ensuring an active lifestyle that takes away the individual from depressing situations and thoughts.
Hospital or residential treatment program if the condition is aggravated that an individual need to receive treatment in a health facility or requires a long-term program.
This is the best option happen when an individual can’t take care of themselves or when one is in danger of harming themselves or others.
There are many other cost-effective interventions affordable and feasible including those enforceable by the government.
The foregoing calls for urgent attention to mental health issues. It's fundamental to note that mental health conditions are treatable and manageable and Kenyans should be encouraged to seek professional care when confronted with mental health challenges.
The stigma around mental health conditions should be addressed. There is a need for a sustained campaign to affirm that mental health treatment is honourable.
More focus should be towards those working in stressful and traumatic environments like the Kenya Police Service and the Kenya Defense Forces where increased cases of murder and suicide have lately been experienced.
This further calls for investment in mental health and wellbeing by stakeholders and especially the government through budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Health and the county governments.
The writer is the Director, Commercial Services, KEMSA
