Mental health advocates and stakeholders in Kenya have urged the government to fully support the mental health sector.
Speaking during the World Mental Health Day on Saturday, October 10, the advocates warned that rising economic pressures could be pushing more people into silent suffering.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 2021 report, at least one in five people globally suffers from a mental health-related condition.
However, Dr Calistus Wekesa, founder and Executive Director of Afya Care Foundation, noted that the situation could be worse than reported.
Wekesa, whose organisation creates awareness against mental health challenges, drug and substance abuse, said that the current global economic situation could have pushed the statistics to one in every three people silently suffering from a related mental health condition.
A day of access and early intervention
Speaking exclusively to News9.africa, Wekesa described World Mental Health Day as one of the key days on the health calendar, offering society an opportunity to access mental health care services.
“This day is celebrated to promote early interventions, help people receive support before the situation worsens, and create an understanding of what mental health is all about. We also offer access to our services like counselling, socio-support, treatment, and referrals for extreme cases,” Wekesa explained.
He noted that the event provides an opportunity for members of society who lack access to mental health services to receive attention and support from qualified mental health officers before situations escalate.
Youth and mental health
Mercy Grace, a mental health champion, echoed Wekesa’s sentiments, adding that the situation among young people could be worse.
She called for national recognition and serious government commitment to marking the day.
“Youths are suffering… they are the majority. The government should create more awareness of this important day. We are the human resource of the nation; it will be encouraging to see the ministry lead these celebrations,” Grace said.
This year’s Mental Health Day was celebrated under the theme, “Lived Experiences, Heard Voices, Real Voices, Real Change.”
Wekesa said the day also calls on society to avoid discriminating against victims of gender-based violence (GBV), trauma, and depression, while urging open conversations around depression.
Families with persons living with disabilities (PWDs), mental health patients, and caregivers receive support on how to cope with their situations without being adversely affected.
Ben Masioge from the Office of PWDs in Trans Nzoia said families get an opportunity to hear from experts through workshops and trainings on how to bring up affected family members.
He called on the government to increase the Inua Jamii monthly stipend for caregivers.
“Our call has been the same. Increase the amount. It is difficult for caregivers. They battle stigma, financial strains, and discrimination. But such forums help them through talks and training on how to ensure they lead a normal life without feeling like it’s a burden,” he said.
Call for integration
The advocates called on the government to incorporate mental health services into key institutions across the country to tackle the slow-burning crisis in society.
They also called for the integration of mental health into the healthcare system, education, workplaces, and community development.
“As a day celebrated across the world, we encourage people to attend. Unfortunately, the day collided with Mazingira Day. We call on the government to consider relocating Mazingira Day to a tentative date. This confusion makes people miss important tips and education to help them cope with mental health issues,” Wekesa said.
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