Employers must actively promote mental wellness in the workplace

Offering access to counselling services, and mental health days, and incorporating employee assistance programmes can aid employees in their struggles. Mental illness has become a public health concern in Kenya. A recent study by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) estimates that 25 to 40 per cent of outpatients and inpatients suffer from mental health conditions. The most frequent diagnoses of mental illnesses are depression, substance abuse, stress, and anxiety disorders. The Taskforce on Mental Health 2020 found that Kenya has a high burden of mental illness measured by the number of years lost due to ill health, disability, and premature mortality with huge gaps in access to care. One of the most visible manifestations of the mental health challenge is suicide, estimated at about four cases per day by the World Health Organisation. Behind these deaths are lost dreams and potentialities the country could have benefited from. As the world marks World Mental Health Day, themed 'Mental health is a human right', it is about time we addressed the subject matter holistically. Our workplaces play a pivotal role in our mental health since we spend most of our working hours there. Employers thus have a responsibility to create a supportive workplace culture that promotes the well-being of the mind. Offering access to counselling services, and mental health days, and incorporating employee assistance programmes can aid employees in their struggles. Eradicating stigma around mental health is also crucial. Team leads or managers should set the tone by openly discussing mental health, normalising wellness conversations, and ensuring colleagues feel safe to seek help. Offering flexible work arrangements can reduce stress by providing options like remote working which allows employees to better manage their work-life balance. Organisations should also provide mental health training for managers and employees to recognise signs of distress and know how to respond to them. Secondly, our homes should be sanctuaries of peace. Over the last two years, Minet Kenya has observed that marital issues often emerge as a top area of concern. Domestic abuse remains a pervasive issue that silently corrodes the mental health of countless individuals. To tackle this, we must prioritise the safety of victims and provide them with resources to escape abusive situations. We also need to educate individuals about healthy relationships, consent, and communication from a young age. There is also a need to embrace open and honest conversations within the family unit. Seeking professional counselling would help in navigating the complex emotions associated with grief. Addressing mental health requires a multi-pronged approach that involves policies and community initiatives. The writer is the General Manager of healthcare at Minet Kenya

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