Mental health wellbeing a priority for a healthy living

On 10th of October every year, people all over the world celebrates World Mental Health Day. On this day, people came together to shed light on issues that are often buried in silence and stigma. Advocating for increased awareness, compassion, and equal access to treatment, people from all corners of the world are joining forces to reshape the narrative surrounding mental health.

Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, where we need to remove barriers that prevent individuals from seeking the care they deserve. The Kenyan National Commission of Human Rights estimates that 25 to 40 percent of outpatients and inpatients suffer from mental health conditions.

Speaking at an occasion held at Mathari Referral Hospital in Nairobi, Principal Secretary for Health, Harry Kimtai, stated that there is a need to prioritize mental health as a universal human right. “Today, we recognize the significance of mental health and the urgent need to prioritize it as a universal human right,” PS Harry said. He expressed his gratitude to various organizations that have collaborated in raising awareness and addressing the discrimination faced by those suffering from mental illness.

PS Harry further added that they have organized activities such as screenings, aiming to identify and support individuals facing mental illness. However, this task is not without its difficulties, mainly due to the lack of resources. Therefore, the government is reaching out to potential partners to provide support and help raise awareness. “We have challenges of resources, and that’s why we are calling on partners to come and support. It is crucial to acknowledge the tireless efforts of organizations like Mathari, Natural, AMREF, and the Government, who have joined forces under the esteemed guidance of Honorable Esther Passaris, the Women Representative for Nairobi County, to commemorate this day and advocate for comprehensive mental health care,” he added.

It is essential to celebrate and embrace this initiative not only in Kenya but worldwide. Mental health should be perceived as a medical issue rather than a criminal one. Individuals with mental illnesses should not face discrimination but should be treated with compassion and understanding. “So it’s something that we should be celebrating across the country. Mental health should be seen as a medical issue and not a criminal one. If you have a mental illness, you should not be discriminated against. Understanding that someone is sick and not criminalizing them will have a positive effect. We must address the perception of mental health,” he reiterated.

This shift in perception will have a positive impact on our society, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. To achieve this, we need to address the existing misconceptions about mental health. Proper education and sensitization will play a significant role in changing public perception. “We must address the perception of mental health. It is important to sensitize the public about mental health,” he added.

Current laws pertaining to mental health need to be amended to align with the present situation. For instance, the criminalization of attempted suicide should be reconsidered. It is essential to recognize that such acts stem from mental health issues and not from criminal intent. “We are pushing for amendments to the Mental Health Act, advocating for a system that prioritizes assessment, understanding, and access to suitable treatment for individuals with mental health problems,” he concluded.

Women Representative of Nairobi, Esther Passaris, has emphasized the importance of providing support and understanding to everyone battling mental challenges. She highlighted how mental health has been overshadowed by societal stigmas, leaving many individuals feeling ashamed to openly address their struggles.

“Mental health issues are not just illnesses; they can be societal thoughts or even narcissism. Everyone suffering from mental challenges deserves support and understanding,” Passaris stated. She called for a shift in our mindset, urging society to talk about mental health all the time. She emphasized the need to look around and address mental health issues that may go unnoticed, emphasizing that progress is vital in dealing with this often overlooked aspect of our well-being. “Mental health issues are not just illnesses; they can be societal thoughts or even narcissism,” she added.

Passaris also shed light on the challenges faced by individuals with conditions like dyslexia, who not only struggle with their handwriting but sometimes find it challenging to even read their own writing. She stressed the need for greater access to affordable counseling, acknowledging that its current cost can be prohibitive for many.

Schools and universities should play a crucial role in providing counseling services, enabling early support and intervention. “We need counseling in schools and universities. Peer pressure and financial struggles contribute to mental health crises. We need to hire more counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists to provide needed services,” she stated.

Peer pressure and financial struggles were identified by Passaris as contributing factors to mental health crises, underscoring the need to hire more professionals such as counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists to meet the growing demand for services. Passaris drew inspiration from cancer survivors, using them as examples to demonstrate that mental health challenges can be successfully overcome with proper support and resources.

Passaris passionately conveyed that in order to create a more empathetic and supportive society, it is paramount that we extend compassion and understanding to all those suffering from mental challenges. “Peer pressure and financial struggles contribute to mental health crises. We need to hire more counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists to provide needed services,” she reiterated.

Ultimately, people with mental health issues should be treated no differently than individuals with physical ailments. Everyone deserves the right to proper medical care and support. It is crucial for society to recognize and embrace this, ensuring that those struggling with mental health receive the assistance they require. By promoting understanding and treatment, we can work towards a society that values and supports mental well-being.

Professor Lukoye Atwoli, Referral Hospital Board Chair, also added that mental health should be of great concern when it comes to individual well-being. He stated that the government should consider amending the constitution’s section 226, which punishes offenders for attempting suicide.

According to the law, anyone who attempts suicide is considered to have engaged in an illegal act, and instead of admitting them to a mental health facility, they should be jailed. Chapter 63, section 226 of the Penal Code stipulates that any person who attempts to kill himself or herself is guilty of a misdemeanour. The penalty is up to two years in prison or a fine or both. “The government, represented by our Women Representative, Esther Passaris, should consider by the end of the year that section that criminalizes people with mental health issues be amended or removed,” he stated. He further stressed that mental health should not be criminalized but should be taken as a chance to help people. “We should consider people with mental illness, not every time seeing them as victims but as people who need help,” he concluded.

As the global community unites to champion the cause of mental health, a shift in perception and laws is essential. It’s crucial to view mental health as a medical concern, not a criminal one, and to provide support and understanding to those facing mental challenges. By prioritizing assessment, understanding, and access to suitable treatment, we can work towards a society that values and supports mental well-being.