Have you ever thought about seeing a therapist? In our pursuit of physical fitness, financial stability, and academic achievements, mental wellness often gets left behind. But it’s time for a change.
We need to invest more resources in improving the mental wellness of our communities. Mental health is a fundamental human right, and it’s crucial to break the stigma surrounding it and make mental healthcare accessible and affordable for everyone.
The pressures of daily life, combined with economic challenges, have taken a toll on the mental well-being of many. Most people agree that mental health plays a crucial role in determining a country’s overall health and socioeconomic burden. Reports indicate that the global economy loses $1 trillion each year due to reduced productivity.
But mental health is more than just the absence of illness; it encompasses emotional well-being,
cognitive processing, and rational thought processes that help us cope with life’s stresses and thrive in
our daily activities. Therefore, any country that upholds the rule of law should prioritize the happiness and mental health of its citizens, as it directly correlates with productivity and GDP per capita.
Recognizing this reality, the world commemorates World Mental Health Day on October 10 every year.
This day serves as a platform to raise global awareness of mental health concerns and mobilize collective action in support of mental well-being.
But mental health is more than just the absence of illness; it encompasses emotional well-being,
cognitive processing, and rational thought processes that help us cope with life’s stresses and thrive in
our daily activities.
Despite constitutional provisions, a staggering 3.7 million people in Kenya suffer from various mental health disorders. Anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and other conditions affect a significant portion
of the population. Alarmingly, suicide is a leading cause of death among individuals with mental health issues.
While efforts have been made to address this critical situation through policy formulation, implementation remains a challenge due to limited resources. In light of current economic challenges and societal pressures, it’s essential to allocate sufficient resources to mental health programs.
This year, the World Health Organization has identified the theme “Mental health is a universal human
right” for International Mental Health Day. This theme aims to raise awareness and promote actions that protect everyone’s mental health as a basic human right.
As we strive to raise awareness and implement supportive policies, we must also reconsider outdated
laws that criminalize suicide. Instead of punishment, individuals in crisis need access to quality mental
health services, counseling, and rehabilitation.
It’s time to break the silence, normalize conversations about mental health, and prioritize self-care.
Investing in mental wellness is not only humane but essential for building healthier and happier
communities.
