By Juliet, guest writer

 

For many people in Kenya, living with a mental health condition is not just about enduring the struggles that come with having an illness, but also the weight of societal judgment. Every day, people with mental health conditions and to some degree, their caregivers, encounter whispered labels and sidelong glances that seem to say, ‘You are not one of us.’ However, stigma is more than just words or thoughts, it isolates, excludes, and creates barriers to the very support that can transform lives.

As a community, how can we start to shift this narrative?

 

The Cost of Silence and Stigma

Stigma surrounding mental health and disability is pervasive in Kenyan communities, rooted in cultural beliefs and longstanding misconceptions. Many still see mental health conditions as signs of weakness or curses, while those with disabilities suffer from similar prejudice.

In my own family, my sister, growing up, would only talk to close friends and family. She avoided eye contact with others, and for years, we thought she simply had a negative attitude. Three years ago, she was diagnosed with social anxiety — a concept I understood, but my parents struggled to grasp. My mother questioned if it was an excuse for shyness or a genuine condition to be concerned about, which underscored for me how little is known about mental health challenges in our community. Such attitudes isolate individuals, deter them from seeking help, and reinforce a cycle of misunderstanding and silence.

I appreciate organizations like Basic Needs Basic Rights Kenya (BNBR) that are on the front lines of addressing these misconceptions. Through youth empowerment initiatives and community-based programs, they aim to build a supportive environment where mental health and disability can be freely discussed, breaking down barriers to support and inclusion.

 

Understanding Stigma and its Origins

The stigma around mental health and disabilities has deep roots shaped by different traditional practices, cultural beliefs and historical development of the healthcare system. Mental health conditions are misunderstood in Kenyan families, are often perceived as curses, moral failings or even supernatural punishment. Ever had someone say another person is mentally ill because it is a punishment because of a previous mistake or generational curse? These beliefs put up a wall that prevents individuals from openly discussing mental health or simply seeking help.

Some of these barriers are built by:

1. Cultural beliefs – Traditional beliefs have for a long time linked mental health to spiritual causes, witchcraft or demonic possession. This has fostered fear and isolation to individuals experiencing severe depression disorder, bi-polar or schizophrenia who are considered outcasts.
2. Religious Influences – Some beliefs shape perceptions of mental illness as a test of faith or punishment. In family centered communities, a family’s reputation may be valued, and any ‘abnormality’ may be hidden to avoid social judgement. Individuals struggling with mental health are forced to be silent and rather than seek support reinforces cycles of isolation and stigma.
3. Lack of Awareness and Resources – Colonial history influenced Kenya’s healthcare landscape leaving mental health challenges unaddressed. With limited resources for mental health education, many did not find a chance to equip themselves with the knowledge of mental health. This lack of understanding exacerbates stigma.

 

Addressing the above issues requires a shift in mental health perception and discussion. I like that BNBR, in collaboration with partners, is dedicated to changing these narratives, working at the grassroot level to provide resources and support by normalizing conversations about mental health in different parts of the country.

 

Stories of Resilience and Courage

 

Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in Kenya often starts with stories of individuals who have faced significant challenges and come out stronger. These stories, filled with courage and resilience, offer hope and challenge the misconceptions that fuel stigma.

One powerful example is that of Charo, a 35-year-old man who had been kept in chains by his family for nearly four years. His parents believed it was the only way to keep him safe due to his untreated psychosis. They feared that if left free, he would harm himself or be harmed by others in the community. However, through BNBR’s Inclusive Communities Project, Charo received the correct diagnosis and treatment for psychosis. After months of care and counseling, Charo’s condition significantly improved. Today, his family has freed him from his chains, trusting that he can live independently, and he’s no longer confined or isolated​.

Similarly, Yusuf, a 45-year-old man, had been neglected by his family for years due to their belief that his mental health challenges were a result of witchcraft. He was eventually brought to the Gongoni Health Centre in Kilifi by a family member who learned about the clinic through BNBR’s outreach. After being diagnosed with schizophrenia and beginning the proper treatment, Yusuf’s life began to transform. Within a few months, he was able to contribute to a small family business, selling second-hand clothes with his wife. Yusuf’s journey from neglect to self-reliance highlights the importance of awareness and access to mental health care in challenging entrenched misconceptions.

These stories, among many others, underscore the importance of community-based mental health services. They show that with the right support, individuals can break free from stigma, rebuild their lives, and become advocates for mental health in their own communities.

 

Myths vs Facts

In Kenya, misconceptions about mental health and disabilities perpetuate stigma, hindering support and understanding. Here are some common myths debunked:

1. (myth) Mental illness is caused by witchcraft or curses: (fact) Mental health conditions have medical, biological, and psychological causes, not supernatural ones. Most are treatable with the right care.​
2. (myth) People with mental disorders are dangerous: (fact) Individuals with mental health conditions are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. They simply require understanding, not fear.​
3. (myth) People with disabilities or mental health conditions can’t lead productive lives: (fact) With treatment and support, people can lead fulfilling lives. Yusuf, for example, is able to run a small business in spite of having schizophrenia.​
4. (myth) Seeking help shows weakness: (fact) Seeking professional mental health care is a sign of strength and necessary for recovery, much like seeking treatment for physical ailments.​
5. (myth) Mental health services are inaccessible in rural areas: (fact) There are programs like the Inclusive Communities Project that are helping to increase access to mental health care in remote regions, improving availability of services at level three facilities and through community outreach​.

 

By dispelling these myths, we can create a more supportive and understanding environment for those affected by mental health conditions and disabilities.

The stigma surrounding mental health and disabilities isn’t just an issue for those affected — it’s a burden on society as a whole. Every whispered judgment, every moment of exclusion, deepens the isolation and pain of individuals already struggling. But we have the power to change this narrative.

We cannot afford to stay silent any longer. The first step is simple:

1. Educate yourself; Understanding mental health and disabilities is the key to breaking down the barriers of ignorance. When we know better, we do better. So, talk to your loved ones, start conversations at work, in school, or in your community.
2. Speak up and stand by those who have long been pushed to the margins.
3. Take action. Don’t just be a passive bystander. Support policies that ensure mental health services are available to everyone, and that individuals with disabilities are given the rights and respect they deserve. Advocate for a future where these issues are treated with the urgency and care they deserve.
4. Most importantly, get involved. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply offering a listening ear, your small act can ripple out and change lives. Organizations like BNBR are leading the way, but they need all of us to walk alongside them. Together, we can build a world where no one is defined by their struggles but uplifted by the compassion of the community around them.

 

As someone who has had the privilege of learning about the work Basic Needs Basic Rights Kenya does, I am deeply moved. Their unwavering commitment to breaking the stigma around mental health and disabilities is a testament to the incredible power of empathy, understanding, and action. It’s not just a campaign, they are changing lives, one person at a time, and creating a ripple effect of hope and healing in communities that have long been ignored.

I’ve seen firsthand the impact they’ve made on individuals who once felt invisible, isolated, or helpless. BNBR doesn’t just provide support; they restore dignity, confidence, and the belief that everyone deserves to thrive, regardless of their mental health condition or disability. This work is personal, and it’s urgent.

If this resonates with you, if you, too, believe in a world where mental health is embraced and not feared, then now is the time to act. Join me in supporting BNBR. Whether by donating, volunteering, or simply sharing their story, we can all make a difference in creating a more compassionate and inclusive society. You can visit BNBR’s website to learn how you can be part of this life-changing movement.

 

Juliet, also Miss Julie, is a Data Analyst by profession and a part-time Content Writer who fell in love with writing and books as soon as she could read. She loves to reimagine stories and retell them from a fresh perspective. When not analyzing large batches of data, she likes to share her thoughts and musings on (https://missjulieanyango.wordpress.com/). Otherwise, you can find her outside hiking, in the theatre catching a play, or indoors listening to music. Her all-time favorite quote is “Always find yourself deserving.”