Mental state
- Thread starter Ojijoh
- Start date
Bryan Rude
Lister
How do you open up to people who don't want the burden of your confessions?
Sasuk Mboi
New Lister
There's still stigma in Kenya on issues of mental health. People would rather bottle it up because you will be discriminated if you talk about it.
Ojijoh
New Lister
its a man eat man society... True and real friends are hard to find
Declare mental illness a national public health emergency, Uhuru told
It is estimated that one in every 10 Kenyans suffer from one form of mental disorder.
In Summary
• The task force co-chaired by Dr Frank Njenga and Health PS Susan Mochache held public participation forums across the country.
• The formation of the task force was the result of a surge in depression and mental sickness blamed for murder and suicide cases.
Taskforce on Mental Health in Kenya co-chairs Dr Frank Njenga and Health PS Susan Mochache during the handover of their report at Afya House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, July 7, 2020.
Image: MAGDALINE SAYA
When the Presidential Task Force on Mental Health in Kenya toured Nakuru county, its members met an 80-year-old patient who had been abandoned by family at Gilgil Hospital for 60 years.
During their visit to Mathari Hospital on February 14, they found extremely deplorable conditions.
“It is difficult to believe that people can work cheerfully and in a dedicated manner in the dilapidated and dehumanising environment that we found,” the team said in their report.
The team was constituted on November 21 and inaugurated on December 11 by then-Health CS Sicily Kariuki.
It is estimated that one in every 10 Kenyans suffers from one form of mental disorder. Depression and anxiety disorders are the most common, followed by substance use disorders.
The majority of Kenyans who spoke to the task force indicated that mental illness is a big challenge in society. They cited widespread concern over high levels of stress due to lack of jobs, constant negative politics and fear of violent and divisive elections.
If established, the commission will conduct periodic surveys of mental health and happiness, ensuring continuous surveillance of the state of mental health and happiness and supervising the delivery of mental health services, among other functions.
“We have in the report faithfully recorded the pain and suffering of our people that is due to the very heavy burden of mental illness in our society,” Njenga said.
“People are so afraid and shy of indicating that they are human beings who suffer from depression that they would rather stay with their illnesses at home rather than expose themselves to the shame of confirming that they are humans and suffer from mental illnesses."
Health PS Susan Mochache looks on as CS Mutahi Kagwe receives Taskforce on Mental Health in Kenya report from co-chairman Frank Njenga at Afya House, Nairobi, on July 7, 2020.
Image: MAGDALINE SAYA
According to Njenga, stigma is driven by low resources that are associated with the treatment or management of mental disorders.
“If we are going to handle mental health with the dignity it deserves, we really need to finance mental health services in a way that is commensurate with the burden that is there.”
The team has also recommended that the creation of Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital as a semi-autonomous government agency for specialised referral services, teaching and research in mental health be fast-tracked.
The report also recommends that regulation and licensing of all institutions offering healthcare (including rehabilitation centres) be done through the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council.
It also calls for the gazettement of the second week of October as the National Mental Health Awareness Week, and that mental health services be decentralised to the primary healthcare level.
From the public forums, the youth said that despite the benefit accorded to them by Helb loans to pursue their tertiary education, the loan should be interest-free.
They also decried the listing of defaulters on social media and newspapers and asked that it be stopped with immediate effect.
“Gambling and sports betting should be strictly regulated and measures taken by gaming operators to assist those who are addicted and suffering from problem gambling as a result of addiction,” they said in their submissions to the taskforce.
They also want marketing of alcohol, cigarettes and substances strictly regulated, and drinking hours be limited, citing the case of Botswana where alcohol is not sold in retail stores after 6pm and all establishments that sell alcohol be closed by 10pm.
The task force said cultural beliefs about the causes of mental illnesses are prevalent and deeply rooted in communities. The beliefs lead to alienation of the people suffering from mental illness and their families. Some would rather take the patient to a faith healer than to a medical facility.
The team found that in the Kenyan cultural context, people living with mental conditions face societal stereotypes based on ignorance, religious bias, and deep-rooted traditional and cultural beliefs.
“These include beliefs that they are being punished, are bewitched, cursed, mad, dangerous and lacking the capacity to make decisions. In many cases, they are isolated, locked up and chained to poles with denial of dignity, some enduring ritual beatings ‘to rid’ them of evil.”
These beliefs and practices lead to stigmatisation by self or others and exclusion in socio-cultural, economic, political decision-making processes and opportunities.
The 10 counties visited include Meru, Makueni, Eldoret, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kakamega, Kisumu, Nyeri, Garissa and Nairobi.
The task force is expected to assess the mental health systems, including the legal, policy and administrative environment to identify areas that may benefit from reform for optimal delivery.
In addition, the team was urged to broadly consider the changing societal dynamics and associated threats to mental well-being such as substance abuse, gambling, sexual and gender-based violence, cyberbullying, child abuse and neglect.
It is estimated that one in every 10 Kenyans suffer from one form of mental disorder.
In Summary
• The task force co-chaired by Dr Frank Njenga and Health PS Susan Mochache held public participation forums across the country.
• The formation of the task force was the result of a surge in depression and mental sickness blamed for murder and suicide cases.
Taskforce on Mental Health in Kenya co-chairs Dr Frank Njenga and Health PS Susan Mochache during the handover of their report at Afya House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, July 7, 2020.
Image: MAGDALINE SAYA
When the Presidential Task Force on Mental Health in Kenya toured Nakuru county, its members met an 80-year-old patient who had been abandoned by family at Gilgil Hospital for 60 years.
During their visit to Mathari Hospital on February 14, they found extremely deplorable conditions.
“It is difficult to believe that people can work cheerfully and in a dedicated manner in the dilapidated and dehumanising environment that we found,” the team said in their report.
The team was constituted on November 21 and inaugurated on December 11 by then-Health CS Sicily Kariuki.
It is estimated that one in every 10 Kenyans suffers from one form of mental disorder. Depression and anxiety disorders are the most common, followed by substance use disorders.
The majority of Kenyans who spoke to the task force indicated that mental illness is a big challenge in society. They cited widespread concern over high levels of stress due to lack of jobs, constant negative politics and fear of violent and divisive elections.
If established, the commission will conduct periodic surveys of mental health and happiness, ensuring continuous surveillance of the state of mental health and happiness and supervising the delivery of mental health services, among other functions.
“We have in the report faithfully recorded the pain and suffering of our people that is due to the very heavy burden of mental illness in our society,” Njenga said.
“People are so afraid and shy of indicating that they are human beings who suffer from depression that they would rather stay with their illnesses at home rather than expose themselves to the shame of confirming that they are humans and suffer from mental illnesses."
Health PS Susan Mochache looks on as CS Mutahi Kagwe receives Taskforce on Mental Health in Kenya report from co-chairman Frank Njenga at Afya House, Nairobi, on July 7, 2020.
Image: MAGDALINE SAYA
According to Njenga, stigma is driven by low resources that are associated with the treatment or management of mental disorders.
“If we are going to handle mental health with the dignity it deserves, we really need to finance mental health services in a way that is commensurate with the burden that is there.”
The team has also recommended that the creation of Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital as a semi-autonomous government agency for specialised referral services, teaching and research in mental health be fast-tracked.
The report also recommends that regulation and licensing of all institutions offering healthcare (including rehabilitation centres) be done through the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council.
It also calls for the gazettement of the second week of October as the National Mental Health Awareness Week, and that mental health services be decentralised to the primary healthcare level.
From the public forums, the youth said that despite the benefit accorded to them by Helb loans to pursue their tertiary education, the loan should be interest-free.
They also decried the listing of defaulters on social media and newspapers and asked that it be stopped with immediate effect.
“Gambling and sports betting should be strictly regulated and measures taken by gaming operators to assist those who are addicted and suffering from problem gambling as a result of addiction,” they said in their submissions to the taskforce.
They also want marketing of alcohol, cigarettes and substances strictly regulated, and drinking hours be limited, citing the case of Botswana where alcohol is not sold in retail stores after 6pm and all establishments that sell alcohol be closed by 10pm.
The task force said cultural beliefs about the causes of mental illnesses are prevalent and deeply rooted in communities. The beliefs lead to alienation of the people suffering from mental illness and their families. Some would rather take the patient to a faith healer than to a medical facility.
The team found that in the Kenyan cultural context, people living with mental conditions face societal stereotypes based on ignorance, religious bias, and deep-rooted traditional and cultural beliefs.
“These include beliefs that they are being punished, are bewitched, cursed, mad, dangerous and lacking the capacity to make decisions. In many cases, they are isolated, locked up and chained to poles with denial of dignity, some enduring ritual beatings ‘to rid’ them of evil.”
These beliefs and practices lead to stigmatisation by self or others and exclusion in socio-cultural, economic, political decision-making processes and opportunities.
The 10 counties visited include Meru, Makueni, Eldoret, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kakamega, Kisumu, Nyeri, Garissa and Nairobi.
The task force is expected to assess the mental health systems, including the legal, policy and administrative environment to identify areas that may benefit from reform for optimal delivery.
In addition, the team was urged to broadly consider the changing societal dynamics and associated threats to mental well-being such as substance abuse, gambling, sexual and gender-based violence, cyberbullying, child abuse and neglect.
What is mental health?
Mental health disorders are one of the leading causes of disability in the U.S.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
They also emphasize that preserving and restoring mental health is crucial on an individual basis, as well as throughout different communities and societies the world over.
Risk factors for mental health conditions
Everyone has some risk of developing a mental health disorder, no matter their age, sex, income, or ethnicity.
Social and financial circumstances, biological factors, and lifestyle choices can all shape a person’s mental health.
A large proportion of people with a mental health disorder have more than one condition at a time.
It is important to note that good mental health depends on a delicate balance of factors and that several elements of life and the world at large can work together to contribute to disorders.
The following factors may contribute to mental health disruptions.
1) Continuous social and economic pressure
Having limited financial means or belonging to a marginalized or persecuted ethnic group can increase the risk of mental health disorders.
The researchers also explained the difference in the availability and quality of mental health treatment for certain groups in terms of modifiable factors, which can change over time, and nonmodifiable factors, which are permanent.
Modifiable factors for mental health disorders include:
The NIMH suggest that genetic family history can increase the likelihood of mental health conditions, as certain genes and gene variants put a person at higher risk.
However, many other factors contribute to the development of these disorders.
Having a gene with links to a mental health disorder, such as depression or schizophrenia, does not guarantee that a condition will develop. Likewise, people without related genes or a family history of mental illness can still have mental health issues.
Mental health conditions such as stress, depression, and anxiety may develop due to underlying, life-changing physical health problems, such as cancer, diabetes, and chronic pain.
Common mental health disorders
The most common types of mental illness are as follows:
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental illness.
People with these conditions have severe fear or anxiety, which relates to certain objects or situations. Most people with an anxiety disorder will try to avoid exposure to whatever triggers their anxiety.
Examples of anxiety disorders include:
1) Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
The American Psychiatric Association define GAD as disproportionate worry that disrupts everyday living.
People might also experience physical symptoms, including
People with a panic disorder experience regular panic attacks, which involve sudden, overwhelming terror or a sense of imminent disaster and death.
3) Phobias
There are different types of phobia:
People with OCD have obsessions and compulsions. In other words, they experience constant, stressful thoughts and a powerful urge to perform repetitive acts, such as hand washing.
5) Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
PTSD can occur after a person experiences or witnesses a deeply stressful or traumatic event.
During this type of event, the person thinks that their life or other people’s lives are in danger. They may feel afraid or that they have no control over what is happening.
These sensations of trauma and fear may then contribute to PTSD.
Mood disorders
People may also refer to mood disorders as affective disorders or depressive disorders.
People with these conditions have significant changes in mood, generally involving either mania, which is a period of high energy and elation, or depression. Examples of mood disorders include:
Mental health authorities are still trying to determine whether schizophrenia is a single disorder or a group of related illnesses. It is a highly complex condition.
Signs of schizophrenia typically develop between the ages of 16 and 30 years, according to the NIMH. The individual will have thoughts that appear fragmented, and they may also find it hard to process information.
Schizophrenia has negative and positive symptoms. Positive symptoms include delusions, thought disorders, and hallucinations. Negative symptoms include withdrawal, lack of motivation, and a flat or inappropriate mood.
Early signs
There is no physical test or scan that reliably indicates whether a person has developed a mental illness. However, people should look out for the following as possible signs of a mental health disorder:
There are various methods for managing mental health problems. Treatment is highly individual, and what works for one person may not work for another.
Some strategies or treatments are more successful in combination with others. A person living with a chronic mental disorder may choose different options at various stages in their life.
The individual needs to work closely with a doctor who can help them identify their needs and provide them with suitable treatment.
Treatments can include:
1) Psychotherapy, or talking therapies
This type of treatment takes a psychological approach to treating mental illness. Cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy are examples.
Psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, and some primary care physicians carry out this type of treatment.
2) Medication
Some people take prescribed medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytic drugs.
Although these cannot cure mental disorders, some medications can improve symptoms and help a person resume social interaction and a normal routine while they work on their mental health.
3) Self-help
A person coping with mental health difficulties will usually need to make changes to their lifestyle to facilitate wellness.
Such changes might include reducing alcohol intake, sleeping more, and eating a balanced, nutritious diet. People may need to take time away from work or resolve issues with personal relationships that may be causing damage to their mental health.
People with conditions such as an anxiety or depressive disorder may benefit from relaxation techniques, which include deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness.
www.medicalnewstoday.com
Mental health disorders are one of the leading causes of disability in the U.S.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
The WHO stress that mental health is “more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities.” Peak mental health is about not only avoiding active conditions but also looking after ongoing wellness and happiness.
They also emphasize that preserving and restoring mental health is crucial on an individual basis, as well as throughout different communities and societies the world over.
Risk factors for mental health conditions
Everyone has some risk of developing a mental health disorder, no matter their age, sex, income, or ethnicity.
Social and financial circumstances, biological factors, and lifestyle choices can all shape a person’s mental health.
A large proportion of people with a mental health disorder have more than one condition at a time.
It is important to note that good mental health depends on a delicate balance of factors and that several elements of life and the world at large can work together to contribute to disorders.
The following factors may contribute to mental health disruptions.
1) Continuous social and economic pressure
Having limited financial means or belonging to a marginalized or persecuted ethnic group can increase the risk of mental health disorders.
The researchers also explained the difference in the availability and quality of mental health treatment for certain groups in terms of modifiable factors, which can change over time, and nonmodifiable factors, which are permanent.
Modifiable factors for mental health disorders include:
- socioeconomic conditions, such whether work is available in the local area
- occupation
- a person’s level of social involvement
- education
- housing quality
- gender
- age
- ethnicity
The NIMH suggest that genetic family history can increase the likelihood of mental health conditions, as certain genes and gene variants put a person at higher risk.
However, many other factors contribute to the development of these disorders.
Having a gene with links to a mental health disorder, such as depression or schizophrenia, does not guarantee that a condition will develop. Likewise, people without related genes or a family history of mental illness can still have mental health issues.
Mental health conditions such as stress, depression, and anxiety may develop due to underlying, life-changing physical health problems, such as cancer, diabetes, and chronic pain.
Common mental health disorders
The most common types of mental illness are as follows:
- anxiety disorders
- mood disorders
- schizophrenia disorders
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental illness.
People with these conditions have severe fear or anxiety, which relates to certain objects or situations. Most people with an anxiety disorder will try to avoid exposure to whatever triggers their anxiety.
Examples of anxiety disorders include:
1) Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
The American Psychiatric Association define GAD as disproportionate worry that disrupts everyday living.
People might also experience physical symptoms, including
- restlessness
- fatigue
- tense muscles
- interrupted sleep
People with a panic disorder experience regular panic attacks, which involve sudden, overwhelming terror or a sense of imminent disaster and death.
3) Phobias
There are different types of phobia:
- Simple phobias: These might involve a disproportionate fear of specific objects, scenarios, or animals. A fear of spiders is a common example. Learn more about simple phobias here.
- Social phobia: Sometimes known as social anxiety, this is a fear of being subject to the judgment of others. People with social phobia often restrict their exposure to social environments. Find out more here.
- Agoraphobia: This term refers to a fear of situations in which getting away may be difficult, such as being in an elevator or moving train. Many people misunderstand this phobia as a fear of being outside. Read all about agoraphobia here.
People with OCD have obsessions and compulsions. In other words, they experience constant, stressful thoughts and a powerful urge to perform repetitive acts, such as hand washing.
5) Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
PTSD can occur after a person experiences or witnesses a deeply stressful or traumatic event.
During this type of event, the person thinks that their life or other people’s lives are in danger. They may feel afraid or that they have no control over what is happening.
These sensations of trauma and fear may then contribute to PTSD.
Mood disorders
People may also refer to mood disorders as affective disorders or depressive disorders.
People with these conditions have significant changes in mood, generally involving either mania, which is a period of high energy and elation, or depression. Examples of mood disorders include:
- Major depression: An individual with major depression experiences a constant low mood and loses interest in activities and events that they previously enjoyed. They can feel prolonged periods of sadness or extreme sadness.
- Bipolar disorder: A person with bipolar disorder experiences unusual changes in their mood, energy levels, levels of activity, and ability to continue with daily life. Periods of high mood are known as manic phases, while depressive phases bring on low mood. Read more about the different types of bipolar here.
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Reduced daylight triggers during the fall, winter, and early spring months trigger this type of major depression. It is most common in countries far from the equator. Learn more about SAD here.
Mental health authorities are still trying to determine whether schizophrenia is a single disorder or a group of related illnesses. It is a highly complex condition.
Signs of schizophrenia typically develop between the ages of 16 and 30 years, according to the NIMH. The individual will have thoughts that appear fragmented, and they may also find it hard to process information.
Schizophrenia has negative and positive symptoms. Positive symptoms include delusions, thought disorders, and hallucinations. Negative symptoms include withdrawal, lack of motivation, and a flat or inappropriate mood.
Early signs
There is no physical test or scan that reliably indicates whether a person has developed a mental illness. However, people should look out for the following as possible signs of a mental health disorder:
- withdrawing from friends, family, and colleagues
- avoiding activities that they would normally enjoy
- sleeping too much or too little
- eating too much or too little
- feeling hopeless
- having consistently low energy
- using mood-altering substances, including alcohol and nicotine, more frequently
- displaying negative emotions
- being confused
- being unable to complete daily tasks, such as getting to work or cooking a meal
- having persistent thoughts or memories that reappear regularly
- thinking of causing physical harm to themselves or others
- hearing voices
- experiencing delusions
There are various methods for managing mental health problems. Treatment is highly individual, and what works for one person may not work for another.
Some strategies or treatments are more successful in combination with others. A person living with a chronic mental disorder may choose different options at various stages in their life.
The individual needs to work closely with a doctor who can help them identify their needs and provide them with suitable treatment.
Treatments can include:
1) Psychotherapy, or talking therapies
This type of treatment takes a psychological approach to treating mental illness. Cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy are examples.
Psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, and some primary care physicians carry out this type of treatment.
2) Medication
Some people take prescribed medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytic drugs.
Although these cannot cure mental disorders, some medications can improve symptoms and help a person resume social interaction and a normal routine while they work on their mental health.
3) Self-help
A person coping with mental health difficulties will usually need to make changes to their lifestyle to facilitate wellness.
Such changes might include reducing alcohol intake, sleeping more, and eating a balanced, nutritious diet. People may need to take time away from work or resolve issues with personal relationships that may be causing damage to their mental health.
People with conditions such as an anxiety or depressive disorder may benefit from relaxation techniques, which include deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness.
www.medicalnewstoday.com
