HomeMay is mental health month and various civil society and Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) are raising national awareness so that people can pay attention to this silent pandemic. The Government agencies however also have a responsibility to play so that the fight against negative mental health can be won.
One of the ways that government can do that is by subsidizing mental health treatment and medication. Going for therapy sessions and buying antidepressants is not affordable for the lower middle income and poor households.
With the sharp spike in the cost of living and unemployment levels remaining the same, the situations are bound to be more stressful for ordinary Kenyans to bear. People need access to psychologists, therapists, and psychiatrists to help them unpack and navigate these precarious situations.
In line with this, there was a proposal by the ministry of health in 2020 to declare mental health a national emergency. There was a Taskforce headed by Dr. Frank Njenga which was commissioned by President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta. The Taskforce which was inaugurated in December 2019, recommended the following:
“The Taskforce on Mental Health has recommended that mental illness should be declared a National Emergency of epidemic proportions, to prioritize mental health as a priority public health and socioeconomic agenda.
The Taskforce also recommended the establishment of a mental health commission and happiness, to advise, coordinate and continuously monitor the status of mental health, and report on the annual National Happiness Index.”
In general, the government has a responsibility to ensure that the public health facilities are well equipped, affordable and accessible. This stems from the findings that “Kenya has a high burden of mental illness due to ill health, psychosocial disability and premature mortality with huge gaps in access to care,” writes the Taskforce.
Additionally, there are wrong beliefs that are attached to mental illness and lead to a low focus on the importance and benefits of sound mental health. For example, it’s commonly believed that people who suffer mental illness are cursed. Others say they’re victims of witchcraft.
The government can stage very targeted nationwide campaigns through local media and communities to educate people on mental health issues. These campaigns will dismantle misconceptions and debunk the myths about mental disorders. Lastly, this strategy will also eliminate the stigma around having mental health issues especially in men. When there’s no stigma, then they’ll be bold enough to seek medical attention.
