In a significant event commemorating World Mental Illness Day, professionals in psychology gathered at Kapenguria Main Prison to raise awareness about mental health issues and to mobilise support for mental health initiatives.
The day provided an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
Speaking during the event, West Pokot Deputy County Commissioner Wycliffe Munanda, called on residents to come together as stakeholders in the fight against mental health depression and stress.
He emphasised that unity is the essential first step towards eradicating mental health issues.
‘The only early stage of eradicating mental health illness is to our unity as stakeholders,’ Munanda said.
He acknowledged that many individuals attribute mental illness to economic challenges and financial instability. However, he stressed the importance of raising awareness about the actual cause of mental health issues.
Munanda urged members of the community to move away from misconceptions that financial and witchcraft are the primary catalyst for mental health.
He encouraged residents to actively seek strategies to manage their mental health in both the workplace and at home, highlighting the importance of addressing the issue proactively to prevent them from escalating and impacting overall well-being and productivity.
On his part, Kapenguria Main Prison, Senior Superintendent Stephen Njoroge expressed gratitude for the support received from various stakeholders, stating, ‘‘We are glad today to have several psychologists and counselors who came to ensure that our staff and inmates under our care are receiving counselling.’’
He acknowledged the challenges mental health issues pose to workplace performance, thereby aligning with the day’s theme.
Njoroge praised the collaboration with partners, including Action Against Hunger, health officials from Kapenguria county referral hospital, the office of the county commissioner and the Kenya Red Cross Society for their involvement s which facilitated the event in the prison.
He said the mental awareness to the inmates and prison officers is an important mental health support not only for inmates but also for the prison staff.
On her part mental Kapenguria County Referral hospital, Health Vocal Official at the department of mental health Monica Maswai, reinforced that mental health is intrinsic to overall well-being, stating, ‘‘there is no physical health without mental health.’’
She highlighted the escalating rates of mental illness in Kenya, particularly in West Pokot County, where a rising number of individuals are grappling with issues such as depression, stress, and various stress -related diseases.
Maswai noted the urgent need for mental health support, especially in vulnerable populations.
‘‘Many inmates are in prison because they were unable to handle their anger, and some did not intend to commit crimes,’’ she said. She also emphasized the connection between mental health and societal behaviour.
“Many people have been unable to withstand stress and end up hanging themselves, many of them turning berserk and other diseases that have no cure or cannot be cured quickly like hypertension, ulcers, and diabetics,” noted Msawai.
She mentioned that mental illness has challenged people globally because it affects a person individually, as a family, and as a country in general.
Ms Maswai said that they chose Kapenguria Main Prison for the events because they aimed to meet the staff and inmates who are going through a mental breakdown.
“We know many of the prisoners who are here find themselves here because they were unable to handle their anger while some did not intend to commit crimes,” said Maswai.
Dollo Otieno, a psychologist from Kapenguria Referral Hospitals, reiterated the critical importance of mental health, acknowledging it as equally significant as physical health.
He said the event serves a vital step towards addressing the psychological needs of both the inmates and staff.
This year’s theme, “Prioritise workplace mental health,” highlights the emphasis on mental wellness in professional environments.
By Anthony Melly and Agneta Chebet
