Why Mental Health

Users and Survivors of Psychiatry

Kenya

Misunderstanding of mental disorders and the stigma that goes with it are two critical problems facing mental health in Kenya. These factors contribute to poor management of mental health and mishandling of people suffering from mental disorders. The World Health Organization’s statistics on mental health however shows that these are serious medical conditions that deserve serious attention by all: the public, policy makers and of course the MIPs themselves and their carers:

· 450 million people worldwide are affected by mental, neurological or behavioral problems at any time and about 873,000 people die by suicide every year;

· Mental illnesses are common to all countries and cause immense suffering. People with these disorders are often subjected to social isolation, poor quality of life and increased mortality. These disorders are the cause of staggering economic and social costs.

· One in four patients visiting a health service has at least one mental, neurological or behavioral disorder but most of these disorders are neither diagnosed nor treated.

· Mental illnesses affect and are affected by chronic conditions such as cancer, heart and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and HIV/AIDS. Untreated, they bring about unhealthy behavior, non-functioning, and poor prognosis.

· Cost-effective treatments exist for most disorders and, if correctly applied, could enable most of those affected to become functioning members of society yet so many are not in a position to access such treatment. In Kenya for instance, thousands of mental health drugs go into flames because

· Barriers to effective treatment of mental illness include lack of recognition of the seriousness of mental illness and lack of understanding about the benefits of services. Policy makers, insurance companies, health and labor policies, and the public at large – all discriminate between physical and mental problems.

· Most middle and low-income countries devote less than 1% of their policies, legislation, community care facilities, and treatments to people with mental illness. Mental health is not given the priority it deserves. In Kenya there are about 100 psychiatrists serving the entire 35 million Kenyans.

The World Health Organization estimates that mental health and neurological disorders account for over 12.3% of the global burden of disease. Depression is an important cause of death and disability and its effects outstrip the combined effects of HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular illnesses, traffic road accidents and malaria combined. Studies in Kenya indicate that out of every ten people who visit an outpatient facility, three of them will have a psychological illness which co-exists with a physical illness. Mental illness is therefore an illness like any other and we need to increase our awareness of causes, manifestations and management. Mental illness is not madness, neither is it a curse or demonic possession. It is illness affecting the brain. These illnesses have different causes that include injuries to the head as can happen in road accidents or being hit with a blunt object. Deprivation of oxygen as happens during difficult delivery or drowning and excess stress also contribute to mental illnesses.

Everybody wants to enjoy good health and when health fails, no one chooses what sickness to be afflicted by. It is a basic human right to be treated when sick. This refers to all sicknesses, including mental illness. You don’t have to suffer endlessly and be labeled ‘badly behaved’ due to undiagnosed and untreated mental illness. Sometimes the greatest stumbling block to mental health is ignorance. It is our sincere hope that you will find the help and understanding that you need because with knowledge comes power to make choices.