Rise Of Mental Health Crisis Among Kenyan Professionals

Mental health challenges are becoming more common and many Kenyan professionals are quietly suffering. Those working in various fields such as banking, teaching, law and healthcare are dealing with overwhelming stress, burnout and anxiety. These issues are worsened by long working hours, financial pressure and the constant pursuit of success. Despite the seriousness of these issues, mental health is still a taboo subject for many making it harder for people to seek help. This article explains why mental health issues are growing among Kenyan professionals and simple ways to address the issue.

By promoting awareness, providing support in the workplace and improving access to mental health services this crisis can be addressed.

Why Are Mental Health Issues On The Rise?

• Working in stressful environments where there is constant pressure to deliver results leading to burnout
• The rising cost of living  leads to struggling to cover basic needs despite holding down steady jobs. This ongoing financial pressure can lead to anxiety and depression which are common mental health problems.
• Work-Life Imbalance. Many professionals feel like they have to work long hours to keep up in the competitive job market. This leaves little time for family, rest or personal activities leading to emotional exhaustion. Over time, this imbalance can contribute to mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
• Stigma around mental health issues leads to the fear of people admitting they are struggling with mental health thinking it will make them seem weak or unfit for the job. As a result people often suffer in silence which worsens their mental health over time.
• While there have been improvements in Kenya’s mental health system, many professionals still struggle to access affordable care. Mental health services such as therapy and counseling, can be expensive or difficult to find particularly in rural areas.

How Do Mental Health Issues Affect Workplaces?

Mental health issues don’t just affect individuals it also impact the companies where people work. Employees who are dealing with mental health challenges may find it harder to focus, perform well or even come to work regularly. This can lead to reduced productivity, higher rates of absenteeism and staff turnover all of which affect a company’s performance.

According to The World Health Organization, its estimated that depression and anxiety cost the global economy over $1 trillion in lost productivity every year. Kenyan businesses are also affected by this loss.

What Actions Can Be Taken to Help?

Addressing the mental health crisis among Kenyan professionals requires a collective effort from the government, employers and individuals themselves.

What Can Be Done To Make A Difference?

• The first step in solving the mental health crisis is to create more awareness and reduce stigma. The government, employers and mental health organizations can run campaigns to educate people on the importance of mental health and encourage open discussions. When people feel safe to talk about their struggles, they are more likely to seek help.
• Employers can play a big role in addressing mental health issues by offering support in the workplace. This can include providing access to counseling services, wellness programs or even simple initiatives like allowing mental health days. Managers should also be trained to recognize the signs of stress and burnout among employees and offer assistance when needed.
• Companies can encourage their employees to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. Offering flexible working hours, encouraging regular breaks and avoiding a culture of overworking can reduce the risk of burnout and improve overall well-being.
• The government and private sector need to work together to make mental health services more accessible and affordable. This could include expanding online counseling services, subsidizing mental health care and ensuring that mental health treatment is included in health insurance packages.
• Encourage Self Care activities such as exercise, spending time with loved ones or pursuing hobbies to help reduce stress. If you feel overwhelmed, you should not hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor.

If are you feeling overwhelmed or stressed at work, visit a mental health professional or seek advice from your HR department on available support. For companies, we offer Corporate wellness reach us today for a quotation on help@psychologistashley.com