Home National News Kitui County Marks Mental Health Awareness Day, Urges Focus on Workplace Well-Being

Kitui County Marks Mental Health Awareness Day, Urges Focus on Workplace Well-Being

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Kitui County marked Mental Health Awareness Day on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Kitui County Referral Hospital (KCRH). The event, themed “Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace,” highlighted the growing concern about mental health issues affecting individuals in work environments. The celebration aimed to create awareness and encourage individuals, especially workers, to seek mental health support and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

Dr. Priscilla Makau, a psychiatrist at KCRH, emphasized the availability of mental health services in Kitui County, which are provided at three key locations: Kitui County Referral Hospital, Mwingi Level IV Hospital, and Ikanga Health Facility. She revealed that an average of 400 people seek mental health services across the county each month. Dr. Makau urged residents to come forward in large numbers for testing and treatment, noting that early detection and intervention could significantly improve mental well-being.

During the event, Dr. Makau pointed out that men are disproportionately affected by mental health issues in Kitui County. She attributed this to societal pressures and the way men handle stress, which often results in unaddressed mental health problems. This observation underscores the need for targeted mental health interventions and increased awareness, particularly for men, to help them cope better with life’s challenges.

Faith Moki, an official from the Kitui Union of Workers, echoed the importance of mental health awareness in the workplace. She shared alarming statistics, stating that 80% of Kitui workers are affected by mental health issues, largely due to their working conditions. Moki called for improved workplace environments and greater support for mental health to enhance the well-being of workers across the county.

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