Seeking help to battle mental health is not a sign of weakness - experts

Mental illness has often been misunderstood and stigmatised for centuries, leading to those affected being marginalised and sometimes perceived as cursed. 

Symptoms of mental illness are frequently overlooked or dismissed, with individuals being unfairly branded as weak. This stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant challenge for those grappling with these issues worldwide.

The Chief Executive Officer of Mathari National Hospital, Dr Julius Ogato, sheds light on the public's misconceptions surrounding mental illness, emphasising that individuals with mental health issues may experience symptoms like hallucinations and delusions that feel very real to them, despite contradicting available evidence. 

"Unfortunately, society often interprets such behaviour as a sign of weakness, viewing those who struggle with mental health challenges as incapable of handling stress or seeking attention. This misunderstanding can lead to harmful labels like "malingerers" or "attention seekers," further stigmatising the patients,” Dr. Ogato says in an interview with the Eastleigh Voice. 

Medics describe malingering as the falsification or profound exaggeration of illness (physical or mental) to gain external benefits such as avoiding work or responsibility, seeking drugs, avoiding trial (law), and attending school, among others. 

Dr. Ogato highlights that mental illness is often misunderstood as a weakness rather than a medical condition stemming from chemical imbalances. This lack of understanding perpetuates misconceptions and prevents many from seeking the professional help they need.

"Labelling mental illness as a weakness significantly contributes to the stigmatisation of these conditions,” Dr Ogato explains. 

The CEO notes that Mathari Hospital, as a leading institution in mental health care, caters to individuals from all walks of life, including those from other regions and countries. Contrary to common belief, the hospital is not an institution filled with violent individuals, but rather a supportive environment dedicated to providing care and assistance to patients struggling with mental health issues. 

"Many imagine that when they walk into Mathari, they will encounter violent people. It's a distorted imagination, a carryover from past experiences," the doctor clarifies. 

The CEO encouraged members of the public to visit and experience the hospital firsthand, fostering awareness and trust in their services.

Dr Celine Okumu, a clinical psychologist at the same facility, emphasises that the prevailing public perception often depicts mental illness as a weakness. She notes that when individuals facing mental health challenges actively seek help, it reflects their inner strength and determination to address their struggles.

Okumu further highlights a concerning trend where women are more likely to seek therapy for mental health issues than men. 

"It's disheartening to note that women tend to seek therapy more frequently than men, even though both genders face challenges. More awareness should be created."

Despite the prevalent belief that mental health concerns are primarily a weakness, it's crucial to recognise that anyone can be affected by conditions like depression, which significantly impact various aspects of life.

Depression, characterised by persistent feelings of sadness or loss of interest, affects individuals regardless of gender or background. Despite its prevalence and known treatments, barriers such as social stigma and limited access to care prevent many from receiving the support they need.

Dr Ogato stresses that mental illness is a legitimate medical condition and should be treated with the same compassion and attention as any other illness. Nevertheless, societal reluctance to openly discuss mental health issues perpetuates stigma and impedes progress.

“As Mental Health Awareness Month approaches, stakeholders need to come together to raise awareness, combat stigma, and promote access to mental health services," the doctor, who acts as the Chief Executive Officer of Mathari National Hospital, says. 

According to the World Health Organisation, 1 out of 4 people who seek healthcare in Kenya have a mental health condition. Depression is common and there are increasing rates of substance and alcohol use disorders. 

The World Health Organisation notes that depression affects an estimated 3.8 per cent of the global population, with rates among adults reaching 5 per cent, slightly higher among women (6 per cent) than men (4 per cent), and rising to 5.7 per cent among adults aged 60 and older. It's estimated that approximately 280 million people worldwide grapple with depression. 

Additionally, more than 10 per cent of pregnant women and new mothers experience this condition. Suicide claims the lives of over 700,000 individuals each year, making it the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.

Despite the existence of effective treatments, over 75 per cent of individuals in low- and middle-income countries lack access to proper mental health care. This deficiency in access is primarily due to insufficient investment, inadequate numbers of trained healthcare professionals, and pervasive social stigma.

During depressive episodes, individuals endure persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or irritability, along with a diminished interest in activities they once found enjoyable. These episodes typically last at least two weeks and are characterised by symptoms such as poor concentration, excessive guilt, hopelessness, thoughts of suicide, disrupted sleep, changes in appetite, and fatigue.

Depression significantly impacts various aspects of life, including community engagement, work, school, and family dynamics. Its development is influenced by a complex interplay of social, psychological, and biological factors, often worsened by adverse life events. 

Patients suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts are advised to seek professional help, where they will be offered advice and other solutions. 

Mathari National Hospital along Thika Road, Nairobi.