This archive report was first published on 13 July 2020.
According to a report by the Ministry of Health, depression and suicide are the leading mental health illnesses in Kenya. Released on July 7, the report highlights the need for better documentation of mental illnesses by health workers.
The report, titled 'Mental health and well-being towards happiness and national prosperity,' notes that Kenyans often confuse mental health with mental illness. This lack of understanding contributes to delayed care for those affected, allowing the disease to worsen.
As a result, the report compiled by a task force led by Dr. Frank Njenga, estimates that globally, one person dies by suicide every 40 seconds. Other illnesses mentioned include substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other psychoses.
Official records suggest that in 2016, the national suicide mortality rate was 3.2 per 100,000 people. However, experts believe that the true figures are much higher.
The report emphasizes the need for Kenyans to care for their countrymen who reach depths of despair that lead to suicide. It recommends decriminalizing suicide attempts to reduce stigma and discrimination, as well as restricting access to firearms and educating the media on responsible reporting of suicide.
The task force held discussions with 1,569 Kenyans and received 206 memoranda. Their findings paint a dire picture of mental health in Kenya, with the report concluding that the country can no longer bury its head in the sand as people continue to cry out for help.
