Stigma and Negative Stereotypes Termed Major Challenges For Mental Health
Public and Self-stigma remain the most outstanding challenges for patients with mental disorders in the North Rift region even as professional counsellors, psychiatrists and psychologists say more than 40 per cent of the general population is affected by anxiety, depression, alcohol and drug use among other causes.
Speaking during a mental health awareness training for participants from the larger North Rift region organised by the Jumuiya Women Fund organisation at a hotel in Eldoret, Jane Kariuki, a counsellor said mental health is not witchcraft or a curse but an illness like any other and those who seek help shouldn’t be discriminated in society.
The Chairperson of Jumuiya Women Fund Winny Siele noted that they intend to reach out to many people through such initiatives, urging the devolved units to come in handy for many people to be supported and also create awareness to understand the symptoms, and the language those affected use to know how to help them.
“We want to help the people with mental illness in the region to avoid stigma and ensure they are accommodated and supported,” said Siele
Pastor David Boit, a participant from Uasin Gishu said mental health is stigmatised and those seeking support are seen as a sign of weakness, especially where the community judgement and view of the illness is still negative and based on prejudices.
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