Religious delusions have been cited as some of the factors contributing to the rising tide of mental health challenges and suicidal thoughts in society.
Murang’a-based psychologist Garrison Irungu said many individuals report receiving divine revelations or claim to communicate with God, such delusions often cause them to isolate themselves from other members of the community.
Irungu, who works at Murang’a Level-5 hospital, said instead of the affected people seeking professional psychiatric help, they turn to spiritual leaders, whose advice may unintentionally worsen their mental state.
“Many victims report hearing messages from God or other divine figures and often seek validation from their spiritual leaders,” Irungu said.
"When these religious leaders fail to address the psychological aspects of their distress, the individuals are left isolated, which worsens their mental health, sometimes leading to suicidal thoughts,” he said.
According to Irungu, ignoring the psychological component of religious experiences can have severe consequences.
“Victims often withdraw from friends and family members, believing they are chosen for a higher purpose, which heightens their delusions."
"If left untreated, these delusions can escalate, pushing individuals closer to the edge of self-harm or suicide,” Irungu said.
He said a lack of education on how to combat mental health challenges contributes to an increase in the number of mental health patients.
Irungu said investing in sensitisation programmes can help to reduce the stigmatisation of people facing mental health challenges while increasing the rate at which such patients seek medical attention.
“The county government, through the psychiatric department at the Level 5 hospital, came up with an outreach programme that offers counselling and psychiatric care to victims affected by landslides in Gitugi during the last rain season," he said.
“This helped scores of residents who lost their loved ones and properties in the incident. Such events need to be organised frequently to reach individuals who have mental issues.
“There are inadequate outreach programs in the country that should address the mental health crisis. Having more of such programs will reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and make it easy for individuals to seek professional help,” Irungu said.
He encouraged people to help and take to hospital members of their community who show signs of unusual behaviour to help reduce the number of mental health cases.
