By M, KNA
Hundreds of Laikipia North residents have participated in a five kilometer walk, aimed at raising awareness on mental illness associated with drugs and substance abuse.
Speaking in Kimanjo town to mark World Mental Health Day, Friday, that coincided with Mazingira Day, residents and local leaders decried that mental health was overlooked in pastoral communities.
World Mental Health Day is commemorated on October 10th annually, and this year’s theme is; ‘Access to service: Mental health in humanitarian emergencies,’ a clarion call for urgent respond to mental health crises.
The exercise which was presided over by the area Member of Parliament, Sarah Korere, said that due to lack of awareness on mental health among the pastoral communities, there were a lot of myths, including those who are suffering from the disease, to be viewed as bewitched or mad.
“Sometimes within our local communities, when we have someone who is not mentally healthy, there is a lot of myth that they have been bewitched or mad. We are trying to tell them it’s a disease like any other and you can seek medical attention and be well again,’’ said the Legislator.
She pointed-out that mental illness cases were exacerbated by the use of drugs and substance such as Miraa, hence there was need to tame menace through seeking medical attention.
“Mental health is an area which is overlooked and in modern world, there are a lot such cases within the community and drug abuse which exacerbate the situation. There is depression and people hardly know about it,” the MP explained, adding that people rarely seek medical assistance when they are suffering from the illness.
She highlighted that the growing burden of mental health cases was particularly rampant among the young people.
Jamila Kesier, health and drug abuse specialist, revealed that they were rehabilitating those affected by drugs and substance through Golden Victors, a local organization she serves as the Director.
“We have rehabilitated women and youth who were initially affected by drugs and substance abuse. They are now ambassadors in the community to raise awareness against drug and substance abuse,’’ she revealed.
One of the drugs and substance abuse reformists, John Kassain, revealed that it is difficult to quit drugs and substance without support.
“Addiction is very dangerous, you can’t stop without help, it requires a lot of effort and sacrifice. If people could unite, it would be easy to win the war against narcotic use,” he said.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) it is estimates that there is 13 percent rise on mental health conditions and substance use disorders in the last decade.