Mental Health Issues In Kenya

Introduction

Mental disorders refer to a wide range of mental conditions the affect the mood, thinking and behavior of an individual. Examples of mental disorders include; depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorder and addictive behavior. Many people in Kenya go through some kind of mental health concern from time to time, but this mental health concerns will deteriorate in to mental disorders when persistent signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and effect on an individual’s ability to function properly. Mental disorders account for a huge portion of disease that is largely misunderstood and ignored. Annually about 30% of global population are affected by a mental disorder of some kind and only less than a third of those

It is argued according to the international covenant of economic, social and cultural rights that it is every human being’s right to attain highest state of mental and physical health (Earle, 2006). Meaning addressing inequities and discrimination in mental health care caused by stigma in fact one of promoting social justice and human rights within the society. It is good to let the general public understand

Kenya has many cultures whose members have endless beliefs and practices that are related to what is internalized as appropriate behavior in going about one’s life, maintaining health and prevention and treatment of certain illnesses. Research has indicated that major psychiatric disorders occur in every society and the primary symptoms may be the same. Different cultures however have got different perceptions of the causes of mental illnesses most of which are usually not informed by scientific research or studies. The inadequate knowledge of the causes, symptoms and treatment of mental illnesses most of the times will point towards a common but misguided belief that mental illnesses are caused by the individuals themselves or by acts of supernatural forces, possession by evil spirits or curses following the individuals family line (Mohit 2001). Some of these beliefs such as curse on family lineage are backed up by genetic science. Most of cultural beliefs remain largely erroneous. In an economically disadvantage country such as Kenya psychiatrist in training will still hold such beliefs as mental illnesses are caused by supernatural causes even after medical training. The main problem of such beliefs is that they promote stigma, discrimination and isolation of people with mental illnesses which