By Barbra Wainaina.
The government of Kenya should make mental health services free or subsidized for students and this is because mental well-being is crucial and sensitive for their overall development and success.
One of the biggest barriers in Kenya, to mental healthcare is that the cost of therapy sessions, counselling and psychiatric medication is very expensive for students which makes it nearly impossible for those with low-income backgrounds to access the support and care they need. If mental health services are free or subsidized students will not have to worry about financial burdens when accessing healthcare. This will help their education not be disrupted by untreated mental health issues.
Given that, making mental health care services accessible in schools and universities will also break the stigma associated with mental health struggles. Many of the students go through a lot in silence and most of them are afraid to speak up because they fear being judged by their peers or even families. By including mental health support into the education system and affordable, students will be encouraged to seek help without shame.
Additionally, by providing accessible mental healthcare it may significantly reduce the number of students engaging with harmful substance use. Many young people always turn to alcohol or drugs as a way of escaping anxiety, and stress and automatically this will affect their academic and their personal lives. With proper mental health treatment and support, students can learn good ways of dealing with their challenges leading to better decision-making and a stable future.
Moreover, among students, mental health struggles can lead to cases for dropouts of students. Most students cannot cope with stress, anxiety or untreated mental health conditions and end up abandoning their education. By providing mental health support it can help retain students in school, improving their educational outcomes and future outcomes.
Furthermore, a mentally healthy student population contributes to a more productive and successful society. When students receive mental health and psychological support, they are more likely to excel in their studies, develop strong interpersonal skills and contribute positively to the nation’s workforce. Investing in their mental well-being will ensure that Kenya nurtures a generation of people who are emotionally stable and resilient individuals who can drive the country’s economic and social progress.
It is estimated that 15% of the global working population has at leat one mental condition. Meaning, that about 3.7 million of the 24.9 million workforce in Kenya might be living with a mental health condition. These staggering statistics are reasons why we should invest in more research on mental health in Kenya and try and come up with solutions.
Just as physical health is treated without discrimination, mental health care should be given the same priority. Providing free or subsidized mental healthcare for students is not only a moral responsibility but also a strategic investment in the future of the country’s and also ensuring that young people have the support and care they need to succeed in life.
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