Foggy living: Struggles of those trapped in mental ailments

Growing up in Nyamira County, Kwamboka's journey from a patient battling severe mental health issues to becoming a psychiatric nurse was fraught with challenges, including suicidal thoughts.

"For a long time, I struggled silently, feeling as though I was trapped in a fog that I couldn't escape," Kwamboka recalls. This internal battle affected every aspect of her life – her daily routines, relationships, and sense of self.

However, her experience at Mathari Hospital marked a turning point in her life. "At Mathari Hospital, I found a safe space to explore my feelings," she explains. "With guidance from my therapist, I learned that it was okay not to be okay and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness."

After graduating from Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Mathari in 2020, Kwamboka's journey came full circle as she joined the staff at MNTRH as a psychiatric nurse. Her transition from patient to caregiver was supported by the hospital's comprehensive approach to mental health care, which extends beyond patient treatment to staff well-being.

"From the very beginning, I found a supportive culture that encouraged open conversations about mental health," she shares. This supportive environment played a crucial role in Kwamboka's continued recovery and professional growth.

"My nurse managers were very understanding, allowing me the flexibility to attend therapy sessions as needed," she says. "This flexibility not only alleviated my stress but also made me feel valued as an employee."

The hospital's commitment to staff well-being went even further, addressing practical concerns that can impact mental health. Kwamboka gratefully recounts, "Another big support was when the accommodation committee offered me a house at Mathari Hospital. Now I don't have to struggle with transportation to work. It's made my life so much easier."

As the world commemorates World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2024, Kenya finds itself at a critical juncture in addressing the growing concern of mental health issues among its population. The theme for this year, "Mental Health at Work: It's Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace," resonates deeply within a nation grappling with the far-reaching impacts of mental health challenges.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one in four Kenyans suffers from a mental health condition, with depression and anxiety being the most common disorders.

The economic toll is substantial, with Kenya losing nearly 0.6 per cent of its GDP to mental health issues as of 2020.

Speaking at Mathari Hospital, Dr Deborah Baraza, Health Cabinet Secretary, emphasized the urgency of the situation.

"Mental health problems extend far beyond individuals. They impact families, communities, and society at large, affecting the socio-economic growth of Kenya," she said.

The gravity of Kenya's mental health crisis is further reflected in alarming suicide statistics.

According to the WHO, approximately 1,408 people die by suicide in Kenya annually, with the rate standing at 3.2 per 100,000 population.

However, experts believe these numbers are likely underreported due to the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health issues.

In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with MNTRH, has launched a five-year strategic plan for 2024-2029. This initiative signals a new era in mental health care for the nation.

Dr Julius Ogato, CEO of MNTRH, emphasized the importance of this plan, stating, "This strategic plan serves as a launch pad towards restructuring care as we focus on the future while adopting best practices and leveraging technology."

The MNTRH Strategic Plan 2024-2029 focuses on three key thematic areas: operational excellence, quality mental healthcare, and growth and development.

Dr Charity Muraguri, representing the chairman of the board of directors of MNTRH, highlighted that the plan is supported by a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track set objectives.

"A total of over Sh40 billion will be needed in the next five years to fully implement this strategic plan," Dr Muraguri said.

This year's World Mental Health Day theme underscores the critical role that workplaces play in shaping mental health. Recognizing this, the Ministry of Health has developed Kenya's first National Guidelines on Workplace Mental Wellness.

These guidelines highlight a collaborative approach to creating a healthy work environment, focusing on three key strategies: promotion, prevention, and care and support for employees.

Dr Baraza directed that "all employers implement the National Guidelines on Mental Wellness" as part of the government's commitment to improving mental health in the workplace.

This directive aims to enhance employee well-being, boost productivity, and contribute to overall socio-economic development.

Despite these positive steps, Kenya still faces significant challenges in addressing mental health issues. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has highlighted the dire state of mental health care in the country.

According to their reports, MNTRH, the largest mental health facility in Kenya, struggles with overcrowding and inadequate resources. The hospital, designed to accommodate 1,500 patients, often houses over 2,000, with many forced to sleep on the floor due to lack of beds.

Furthermore, KNCHR estimates that over 75 per cent of Kenyans with mental health conditions go undiagnosed and untreated. This staggering figure underscores the urgent need for comprehensive mental health reform in the country.

"The hospital is in dire need of acute psychosis wards. People who have acute psychosis and acute mental illness require intensive care, like the people who are in the intensive care unit. Unfortunately, here, we need them in the same ward, which is not good for the patients who are on their way to recovery, and it puts a strain on the workers,” said Dr Ogato.

"By working together, we can create a world where everyone can enjoy good mental health," Dr Baraza said. "Let us commit to breaking down barriers, fostering empathy, and building a society that values and supports the mental well-being of all."