By Joseph Kamau Kiragu
There has been an exponential increase in mental ill-health in our country. Many people have been going through mental health disorders such as anxiety, stress, and depression. In most cases, mental ill-health results from loneliness, poverty, hopelessness, relationship problems, adverse life experiences, violence, and a challenging economy. Disorders from mental ill health have been quickly resorting to many suicides and murders in our society. Emotions from these disorders also lead to long-lasting chronic physical illnesses such as respiratory disorders, diabetes, and heart diseases. Mental health victims are mostly misunderstood and neglected. This is worrying, and despite its adverse effects, it remains a heavily unacknowledged and neglected topic in our country. Therefore, there is an urgent need to take mental health seriously.
It is vitally important to prioritize mental health patients just as we prioritize those patients that suffer from physical illness. It is worth noting that our country has been facing hard economic times and unemployment. A tough economy and unemployment can be complex and critical risk factors for mental health illness. However, having strong support can promote determination and enable people going through difficulties to be aware of managing stress. In this way, mental awareness campaigns can help beat this menace in our society. People do suffer from mental health and fear speaking it out, which poses a threat in their lives. Mental health campaigns can raise awareness of issues where people can speak openly and share their life experiences.
The government has to protect people’s right to mental healthcare. The Ministry of health can play a vital role in developing mental health services and increasing specialist training for public mental health. More health education can also raise mental health awareness that can be used to reduce stigma and trauma. Counseling services can also be made available in villages and remote areas, especially vulnerable groups. Organizations should also acknowledge the menace and support their workforce in dealing with it. Positive mental health leads to healthy relationships, a good working environment, and positive effects on education and employability, leading to a thriving and productive economy.
Joseph Kamau Kiragu
Student Maasai Mara University