Mental health is a basic human right. And is an imperative to individual, community and socio-economic development. Article 43 (1) (a) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 provides that every person has the right to the highest attainable standard of health, which includes the right to healthcare services, including mental health care.
The Ministry of Health is aggressively implementing the Kenya Mental Health Action Plan (2021-2025) and has identified mental health care as an integral pillar in the country’s health system and social-economic development.
The 66th World Health Assembly has often called on member states to develop comprehensive mental health action plans in line with the Global Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020, extended until 2030.
The draft GPW-14 (WHO’s new strategy) has two strategic objectives related to NCDs and mental health.
The foregoing denotes the significance of mental health care. There are a lot of policy documents, scholarly research papers and articles in support of strengthened mental health promotion and prevention.
The fact that mental disorders are devastating individuals, families and societies cannot be underscored. Individuals struggling with their mental health could be in our families, friends, neighbours, colleagues at work or fellow religious congregants.
Seldom do those affected by mental conditions seek treatment, often because of the stigma and discrimination attached to mental health. Untreated mental health conditions are catastrophic to individuals, families, communities and workplaces.
Treatment of mental health conditions
Treating mental health involves a combination of approaches, including psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
In my previous articles on mental health, I have discussed most of the treatment methods.
I, however, need to reiterate some of the quick wins.
- Underscore that every individual passes through depressive episodes in their life, and that those struggling are not peculiar
- Encourage individuals that mental health conditions are treatable and does not
define anyone.
- Self-care can play a significant role in maintaining positive mental health and help
support one’s treatment and recovery.
- Talk therapy (psychotherapy) with a mental health professional helps
individuals learn coping and stress management skills.
- Displaying empathy, respect and acceptance to help remove stigma. When those
struggling with mental health are treated well, it makes the biggest difference.
- Advocacy within our circles of influence helps ensure that besieged individuals
get the same rights and opportunities just like other individuals.
- Lifestyle wellness and home remedies include: avoiding alcohol and drug use,
sticking to the treatment plan, staying active, healthy choices like adequate sleep,
cutting back on obligations when necessary and prioritising reasonable goals,
healthy eating and regular physical activity, among others.
- Nurturing a positive work environment and implementing mental health support
systems.
- Learning to adopt a positive attitude.
- Connecting with others facing similar challenges may help you cope.
- Staying connected with friends and family.
- Keeping a journal is a healthy way to explore and express pain, anger, and fear, among other emotions.
The above and more shared in my previous articles on mental health prevention are not exhaustive.
Suffice it to mention that treatment choices for mental health conditions will vary from person to person.
Selecting the right mix of treatments and support that work for those struggling with mental health conditions is an imperative step in the recovery process.
It must be admitted that there is no “one size fits all” treatment for mental health conditions.
Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, influencing how we think, feel, and act.
The increased mental health conditions in Kenya call for multistakeholder involvement and allocation of more resources to address this scourge that is devastating individuals, families and communities.
The Ministry of Health and other stakeholders are encouraged to allocate resources for developing and implementing programs for the promotion and prevention of mental health.
Allocation of resources should include support for initiatives by other government institutions like the Kenya Police Service.
Eliud Muriithi, Director Commercial Services, KEMSA
