A Snapshot of Mental Health in Kenya
Mental health affects everyone across Kenya, whether you’re one of the many millions of people living with mental illness nationwide, or have a loved one living with mental illness.
During this pandemic, there is growing awareness of those who struggle with mental illness every day, often in ways that are invisible to others. More people than ever are joining the conversation about mental illness, and Millennials especially are helping to break down lingering taboos by opening up about their mental health struggles.
Yet, major obstacles remain: stigma still clouds public discussion of mental health issues, and far too many people struggling with mental illness don’t receive treatment. Majority of Kenyans associate mental health and mental illness with negative narratives leading to a low focus on the importance and benefits of mental health and wellbeing.
I’m writing this blog to break down some key statistics you should know. While spreading awareness in itself won’t solve the nation’s complex mental health care problems, we also know it’s an important step in ensuring that more Kenyans living with mental illness have the support they need to thrive.
MENTAL HEALTH IN KENYA BY THE NUMBERS
Nearly 1 in every 4 Kenyans suffer from a common mental disorder.
50% of Kenyans who go to hospitals are depressed
20% of children suffer from mental health issues
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15–29 year-olds
1.9 million Kenyans suffer from depression
Young adults are more likely to have a mental illness than older adults
THE IMPACT OF MENTAL HEALTH
50% of primary care visits are related to mental health disorders
A study revealed that in the financial year 1998/99, the Kenyan economy lost approximately US$13,350,840 due to institutionalized mental and behavioral health patients
BARRIERS TO CARE
5 of every 6 people who suffer from mental illness do not receive treatment
We only put 0.01% of our National Health budget into mental health
Kenya has only about 100 psychiatrists and less than 500 psychiatrist nurses
There are less than 1000 accredited mental health practitioners. This comes to about 1 therapist for every 120,000 Kenyans
Only 13% of medical facilities in the country offer mental health services
Only 11% of medical facilities in the country offer treatments for depression and psychosis
COMMON MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS
Among the different types of substances, alcohol contributes to the largest burden of substance use-related illnesses in Kenya. Of great concern, alcohol abuse is most prevalent in the 18–29-year-old age group.
TREATMENTS OUTCOMES
In over 80% of cases of depression, treatment can alleviate symptoms
Over 60% of people who receive evidence-based behavioral health care see clinical improvements
HOW TO GET HELP
Talk to your doctor or mental health practitioner
If you want help connecting with a therapist, DoctorsLive can help you. DoctorsLive offers on-demand mental health support and allows you to see an accredited therapist via video within days. You can get started today by downloading our mobile app. Sign up here
