Mental health is a massive area of concern across the world. Kenya was recently ranked 4th in Africa with 1.9 million people with mental illness. Depression is the most common mental illness reported.
According to the Kenya Mental Health Policy (2015-2030), mental disorders in Kenya continue to rise rapidly.
Government statistics reveal that 1 in every 4 Kenyans has suffered from a mental illness at one point in their lives.
Mental health is a crucial determinant of the overall health and socioeconomic development of a country.
It influences individual and community outcomes such as lifestyle and education attainment.
Without taking mental health as a priority the government puts at risk Kenya's quality of life.
The recently published Kenya National Bureau of Statistics showed that more men than women have suffered from mental illnesses than men.
Sadly the report didn’t reveal the causes of the mental illnesses.
Few people with mental problems receive any treatment according to global health surveys carried out in low and middle-income countries.
Research shows that stigma still plays a huge role in our reception to mental health and thus those suffering will continue to suffer in silence.
The eruption of social media channels has given mental illness exposure and allowed the public to have conversations about mental wellness.
Despite this, according to research done by Basic Needs Kenya, there is still concern about how mental illnesses are portrayed on social media.
Our colloquial language and other simplified words such as ‘insane’ and ‘mad’ have had profound implications in stigmatising mentally ill Kenyans and continue to push the wrong narrative.
This prevalence indicates that mental health is an erupting public health concern that not only requires the attention of policymakers but agenda setters within society.
Research done is an evidence base that policy and health initiatives can begin to change the fate of Kenyans.
Observed age and sex differences in different reports provide the government with an opportunity for more targeted strategies.
From school-based programs that focus on developing depression management strategies for students to easy and accessible mental wellness facilities.
Improving our community's knowledge of mental health issues will play a big role in eradicating the stigma associated with seeking mental help.