Mental disorders account for 13% of the global disease burden, a figure WHO which is projected to rise to 15% by 2030
Uasin Gishu Govenour Evans Kapkea in red tshirt engage in physical activity during world mental health day in Eldoret.
Research reveal that 40% of people seeking medical treatment in local health facility in Kenya admitted that they suffered a mental condition but were un aware of it while at least 1 in 4 adults will experience mental health difficulties at one time or the other will receive little or no help when they present it a as an emergency.
Speaking at Uasin Gishu County headquarters during Mental Health Celebration Day, the deputy Govenour said , many mental patients suffer from stigma,ignorance,this makes it difficult for them to get assistance.
It sad that a number of Mental health patients resought to heavy drinking so that they can forget their problems.
He said there is need for people to be empowered and get to know some of psychosocial first aid support one can offer, so that they can always be on the fore front in providing the mental care needed by people especially after experiencing traumatic situations before it ends up bringing a fatal mental health problem.
He’s said the county has began a health facility Moiben County Referral Hospital where the patients are rehabilitated and treated freely for those who have registered under SHA.
A spot check by media reveal that many mental,patients suffer from stigma, isolation and discrimination as a result some of them end up committing suicide.
He further said that mental health should not only be offered by health practitioners but all of us should.offer support.
He noted that it’s unfortunate that the attention of mental health cases is usually brought forth when the situation is out of hand.
Among the guests who were health officer from both Uasin Gishu district and Moi teaching and referral hospital who promise that they as county hospital was going to offer support to mental health patients.
The health officer concluded that promotion of mental health to ensure that they do capacity building at a lower level and that family plays a crucial role in ensuring good mental health starts with how the children are raised by having them protected from drugs and substance abuse.
Mwangis of Cosmetology and beauty urged the Youth not to shy off from speaking about their condition so that they can get assistance saying that all of us can be affected.
By Jessica Nyaboke
