Govt urged to set aside funds to combat mental illness

Heightened political tension coupled with skyrocketing cost of living is the major contributing factor leading to high number of mental health issues in the country.

This is according to health experts who are now appealing to the government to set aside enough funds to deal and combat mental health illness among Kenyans.

Boniface Ndirangu, the chairman of Addictions prevention and rehabilitation association of Kenya together with Mansur Habib, a psychiatrist and director of Zenesis, a retreat and wellness Centre have expressed concerns about the challenges Kenyans are facing saying there is need to address the challenges as many of the victims are suffering silently.

The experts noted that depression is among the most common mental illnesses in the country and globally occasioned by joblessness following Covid-19 pandemic that paralysed the economy.

The professionals also attributed the rise in mentally illness is cases to various causes with drug and substance abuse topping the list.

Other causes cited include genes and family history, trauma, life experiences as well as environmental factors such as dysfunctional family life and divorce.

Speaking during the official opening of Zenesis, a rehabilitation centre meant to offer holistic therapy for substance abuse that helps people to rebuild their lives and return home to their loved ones, experts led by Prisca Adomeyon, an advocate and director of Zenesis say majority of Kenyans are anxious, lonely, confused, stressed, helpless and angry due to the tough economic situation in the country that has led to increased price of goods and services.