Seminar Spotlights Mental Health – By Stephen Oinga

The Mental Health Awareness Month is observed annually every May. It is an important time to bring attention to mental health issues, reduce stigma surrounding mental illness, and provide resources and support to those who may be struggling with their mental health.

Mental health issues affect millions of people worldwide, leading to poor physical health, reduced quality of life, and in some cases, suicide.

The awareness month provides an opportunity to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness by educating the public about the prevalence of mental health problems and dispelling myths and misconceptions.

Mental health is an essential aspect of the overall health and wellbeing and that it is okay to seek help when needed.

To mark the awareness month, the Corporate Communications Department organised a seminar which was delivered by renowned mental health guru Dr. Frank Njenga, at SRC offices. The seminar was attended by all staff led by the Commission Secretary/CEO Anne Gitau.

Dr. Njenga highlighted the link between mental wellbeing, productivity, and service delivery, emphasising on how a healthy mind results in a healthy body, boosting performance and fostering exceptional service.

Further, Dr. Njenga stressed the critical role of mental health in achieving an excellent work-life balance. He underlined the link between good mental health and productivity and called on policymakers to make mental health services a priority.

“The truth and reality is that very little has been done systematically and deliberately by government or by ourselves to bring up the level of mental health in Kenya,” said Dr. Njenga.

While welcoming the renowned psychiatrist, Anne Gitau appreciated Dr. Njenga for finding time to talk to SRC. She encouraged staff members to be open to mental health concerns they may be facing and take advantage of the expertise offered by Dr. Njenga.

Through awareness and treatment over the years, Dr. Njenga changed how Kenyans perceive mental health. Staff had an opportunity to ask several questions on mental health, which were responded to by Dr. Njenga.