Kitui County celebrated Mental Health Awareness Day on October 24, 2024, at the Kitui County Referral Hospital (KCRH), under the theme “Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.” The event, aimed at raising awareness about mental health challenges in work environments, was well-attended by healthcare workers, public servants, and KMTC students.
However, a prepared statement by Chief Officer Lynn Kitwan and seen by our reporter. Despite her absence, Kitwan’s message emphasized the growing need to address mental health in the workplace and the importance of creating supportive environments for employees.
In her prepared remarks, Kitwan had planned to stress the importance of mental health, saying, “Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and contribute to their community.” She contrasted this with mental illness, which she described as “a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s thinking, emotions, and behavior, usually associated with distress or impairment in important areas of functioning.” Kitwan cited depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder as common issues affecting the workforce.
The statement further highlighted October as Mental Health Awareness Month globally, with this year’s theme focusing on workplace mental health. Kitwan had noted that “on average, we spend a third of our lives at the workplace, and therefore, steps need to be taken to ensure a good working environment is maintained.” She warned that poor mental health could negatively affect employees in various ways, including job performance, productivity, and communication with coworkers. The statement revealed worrying statistics: “Between 2022 and June 2024, 73 employees working under the county government of Kitui were identified with severe alcohol use disorder and are facing disciplinary measures.”
Kitui County has already taken proactive steps to tackle these challenges. According to Kitwan’s statement, “In pursuit of ensuring that Kitui County has a good working environment, we have collaborated with the Ministry of Health and established the Workplace Wellness Committee.” The committee is responsible for developing a comprehensive workplace wellness policy focused on promoting mental health, preventing mental illness, and supporting employees with mental health challenges. She also mentioned that Employee Assistance Programs have been adapted to suit the local workforce’s needs, providing mental health support and recovery tools for those affected.
Despite the Chief Officer’s absence, speakers at the event echoed Kitwan’s sentiments. “Mental health is as important as physical health, and we must ensure that our employees have the support they need to thrive,” said Dr. Priscilla Makau, a psychiatrist at KCRH, who urged attendees to seek help if they faced mental health challenges. She added, “We have seen an increase in cases of stress-related disorders, and it’s time we normalize mental health checkups just like we do with physical health.”
Participants were reminded of the services available at KCRH and other health facilities across Kitui County. “I encourage all of us to adopt self-care techniques that include daily physical activities, practicing good sleep hygiene, and seeking help when needed,” Dr. Makau said. Mental health clinics are now available at Kitui County Referral Hospital, Mwingi Level IV, and Ikanga Health Facility, with an average of 400 people seeking mental health services monthly.
“Remember, it’s okay not to be okay,” chief officer reassured.
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