40% of the North Rift population faced by anxiety, depression; Say mental health experts
A mental health awareness training for participants drawn from the larger North Rift region/Photo Calvin Chitwa
By James Gitaka
Mental health experts now say more than 40 per cent of the general population is affected by anxiety, depression, alcohol and drug abuse among other causes.
The experts note self-stigma remains the most outstanding challenge for patients with mental disorders in the North Rift region.
The professional counselors, psychiatrists and psychologists said this during a mental health awareness training for participants drawn from the larger North Rift region, a training that was organized by the Jumuiya Women Fund organization at a hotel in Eldoret,
Jane Kariuki, a counselor said mental health is not witchcraft or a curse but an illness like any other and those who seek help shouldn’t be discriminated in society.
noted that they intend to reach out to many people through such initiatives, urging the devolved units to come in handy for many people to be supported and also create awareness in order to help the affected .
“We want to help people with mental illnesses in the regions create more awareness so as to avoid stigma and ensure they are accommodated and supported,” said Siele
Pastor David Boit, a participant from Uasin Gishu said mental health is stigmatized and those seeking support are seen as a sign of weakness, especially where the community judgment and view of the illness is still negative and based on prejudices.
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