There is concern over the increasing cases of mental health in Meru county.
A lobby group in Meru has thus initiated a mental health awareness campaign to sensitise the community.
Ripples International senior project manager Prince Mwenda said there are gaps in the implementation of mental health policies.
“We have had a workshop in Kenya Methodist University to teach people about mental health. There are gaps and we are trying to bridge them through a framework or policies,” Mwenda said.
Speaking during a mental assessment clinic in Kinoru Stadium recently, he urged residents to turn up.
“We will have four counsellors who will be assessing residents and if cases need referral, they will be linked to care,” Mwenda said.
He said they will finally have a roadshow to climax the event, where they will have a cycling event from Nkubu to Laare, about 50 kilometres.
Ripples International director Joyce Muriuki called for more awareness.
“Residents need to come out and break the silence in case there are cases of mental health,” she said.
She said that there should be no stigma for patients.
“People facing mental health problems should not be isolated and told they are mad. We have a challenge, especially in rural areas, where there is no enough sensitisation,” Muriuki said.
She said many mental health cases are caused by stress and depression related to domestic life and work, and in some cases, they are hereditary.
She urged residents to live with those living with mental issues problems.
Kellen Mumbi, a psychiatrist, said about 25 per cent of the population is affected by issues related to mental health.
“They range from bipolar, suicide, depression and other psychiatric issues, and that accounts for a loss of about Sh62 billion annually, or 0.6 per cent of the GDP,” she said.
Mumbi said if the Mental Health Act 2022 is implemented, it will help safeguard and deal with issues of mental health in workplaces and the community.
The psychiatrist asked people to stop stigmatising those who have mental health issues.
“The community should not believe that those who are facing mental issues are bewitched. They are people who can be actively productive in our community,” Mumbi said.
