Abiba is a mother of two. She is happily married, holds a senior management position at a bank, owns two high-end cars, and has everything anyone would ever wish for. What people don’t know is that behind the smiling face is an unhappy woman. Abiba suffers from several mental disorders including: depression, bipolar, and imposter syndrome.
Every year, on October 10th, the world remembers people like Abiba by celebrating Mental Health day. Far from being a celebration in the traditional sense, the day is meant to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilize support. The 2020 theme, ‘Mental Health for All: Greater Investment – Greater Access’ stresses the fact that mental health is a human right and should be made available to all.
In Kenya, individuals and institutions alike, have begun emphasising on the importance of mental health and taking the relevant steps to prioritize it in the workplace. This has been further enhanced since the confirmation of Covid-19 in the country.
According to post Covid-19 studies, ”450 million people worldwide were living with some type of mental disorder.” We expect this number to have significantly increased, since.
Teenage suicide rate has also been on the increase in the past 4 years.
One common approach you can use to help prevent your loved ones from committing suicide is the W.A.I.T. philosophy.
W — Watch for distress signs and behavioural changes
A — Ask about any contemplation about self-harm in a gentle manner
I — It will pass; assure the person that with proper support and help, suicidal ideation can decrease
T — Talk to others, encourage the person to seek help from mental health experts
The World Health Organisation has urged people to pay more attention to their psychological wellbeing and seek help sooner rather than later.
Many psychiatrists and therapists are now offering online sessions to provide the necessary help everyone deserves. At Transolution Services, we continue to provide both online and offline counselling services to help you live a fulfilling life.
To the Abiba, and millions of people dealing with mental health issues, we celebrate you, we respect you, we applaud the little steps you make every single day to become the people you deserve to be: happy, content and fulfilled. Cheers!
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