Why mental health is proving too costly

Mental health is a crucial component of our overall well-being. According to the WHO, mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders, it is a state of well-being in which an individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and contribute to his or her community. The WHO goes on to say that mental wellness is ‘fundamental to our collective and individual ability as humans to think, emote, interact with each other, earn a living and enjoy life.’ 

However, mental health issues are on the rise. According to statistics, one in four Kenyans is likely to suffer from a mental disorder at one point in their lives. How many of these Kenyans actually receive the adequate care that they deserve? Only one in six people. The rest continue to unnecessarily struggle with a disease that is largely treatable and manageable. Why is this the case? Don’t we have a framework within which people with mental health issues can seek help?