Mental illness has become a significant public health concern in Kenya, with a study by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) estimating that 25% to 40% of outpatients and inpatients suffer from mental health conditions. The most frequent diagnoses of mental illnesses made in general hospital settings are depression, substance abuse, stress, and anxiety disorders.
The Taskforce on Mental Health 2020 found that Kenya has a high burden of mental illness measured by numbers of years lost due to ill health, disability, and premature mortality with huge gaps in access to care. One of the most visible manifestations of the mental health challenge in Kenya is its suicide rate which is estimated at about 4 suicide deaths per day by the World Health Organisation. Behind these deaths are lost dreams and potentialities that the country could have benefited from.
As the world commemorates World Mental Health Day under the theme ‘Mental health is a human right’, it is about time we addressed the subject matter holistically.
First, our workplaces play a pivotal role in our mental health. It is here that we spend a significant portion of our waking hours, and the environment greatly influences our overall well-being. Employers have a responsibility to create a supportive workplace culture that promotes mental health. Offering access to counselling services, mental health days, and incorporating employee assistance programs can significantly aid employees in their struggles.
Eradicating the stigma around mental health is also crucial. Team leads or managers should set the tone by openly discussing mental health, normalising wellness conversations, and ensuring colleagues feel safe to seek help.
Offering flexible work arrangements can reduce stress by providing options like remote working which allows employees to better manage their work-life balance. Furthermore, organisations should provide mental health training for managers and employees. Recognising signs of distress and knowing how to respond can make a significant difference.
Secondly, our homes should be sanctuaries of peace, but socio-economic pressures can often strain family life.
Over the last two years, a sample of the issues that Minet Kenya has observed to be warranting employee assistance shows that marital issues often emerge as a top area of concern. Domestic abuse remains a pervasive issue that silently corrodes the mental health of countless individuals within the family unit. To tackle this, we must prioritize the safety of victims and provide them with the necessary resources to escape abusive situations. Beyond this, we need to educate individuals about healthy relationships, consent, and communication from a young age.
There is also needed to embrace open and honest conversations within the family unit by creating a space where siblings can express their worries and concerns without fear of judgement. Involving the whole family in financial planning can help educate children about budgeting and saving, creating an understanding of the family’s financial situation without burdening them with stress.
Loss and grief are inevitable parts of the human experience, yet they often come suddenly, leaving families in turmoil. Everyone’s grief journey is unique, and there is no prescribed timeline for healing. It is vital to create awareness of the various stages of grief and how to cope with loss. Seeking professional counselling would be instrumental in navigating the complex emotions associated with grief.
Lastly, as a nation, addressing mental health on a national level requires a multi-pronged approach that involves policies and community initiatives such as implementing mental health education in schools and workplaces. It is important to provide information on the causes and symptoms of mental illness to create self-awareness and de-stigmatise mental health issues.
Investing in mental health research and innovation is also critical. This calls for partnerships between underwriters, mental health centres and the government to better understand mental health disorders, improve treatment outcomes, and develop innovative interventions.
In conclusion, prioritising mental health is not just a moral obligation; mental wellness is a right we must aspire to. It is time to treat mental health with the urgency and importance it deserves, not just for the sake of individuals but for the strength and resilience of our entire nation.
Let’s make mental health a national priority.
By Edwin Macharia – General Manager – Healthcare at Minet Kenya.