Music has a unique ability to touch hearts and souls in ways we often cannot articulate. It soothes, uplifts our spirits, makes us laugh, and serves as a force that connects us. A catalyst for recalling past and present joyful and somber moments. Throughout history, music has mirrored culture, values, and beliefs. Our ancestors used...
Communication is essential in everyday life and is at the heart of our relationships. Psychologists identify four main communication styles; passive, assertive, aggressive, and passive-aggressive. Each style uniquely shapes our interactions and determines the quality of our relationships. Consider two examples. First, imagine a childhood friend whose communication style has always been passive. After reading a self-help...
In the Bible, Jesus profoundly addresses forgiveness in Matthew 18:21-22. When Peter asks how many times one should forgive, Jesus responds, “Not seven times, but seventy times seven.” This symbolic expression of 490 isn’t a literal tally but a call for boundless forgiveness, a mindset that encourages us to go far beyond keeping score and...
Bipolar Mood Disorder (BMD) is a chronic condition that has profoundly impacted many lives. It’s reported that the former Prime minister of the United Kingdom, Winston Churchill, an exemplary writer and orator, was thought to have struggled with symptoms of BMD. He had both severe depressive episodes, which he called his “black dog,” and periods...
This piece presents a vivid and alarming portrayal of the opioid crisis in the U.S., drawing a parallel to potential issues that could arise in Kenya. During my recent visit to the US, I was struck by the dark side of cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, where drug use and homelessness are rampant....
According to the Oxford Dictionary, impatience is defined as the feeling of annoyance with someone or something, particularly when a wait is prolonged. Although impatience is a natural human emotion, frequent occurrences could signal a deeper issue. It’s essential to approach impatience with understanding and empathy. Why, you might ask? Conditions like ADHD, depression, adverse...
By Lambert Oigara, Clinical Psychologist, CBT Kenya Summary: The article discusses the cultural rift impacting communication between different generations in Kenya, focusing on the contrasting mindsets of older and younger generations. It suggests that embracing growth, humility, and a willingness to learn can help mitigate tensions and foster better generational relationships. Society today is multicultural,...
By Lambert Oigara, Clinical Psychologist, CBT Kenya Summary: This article discusses the mental health crisis among professionals in Kenya, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by mental health practitioners due to a shortage of resources, inadequate research, and the overwhelming demand for mental health services. The story highlights the rising demand for mental health care...
By Lambert Oigara, Clinical Psychologist, CBT Kenya Summary: This article delves into the significant challenges facing mental health practitioners in Kenya, highlighting the increasing pressure on professionals, the historical stigma surrounding the profession, and the worrying trend of mental health ‘Experts’ on social media. The Growing Strain on Mental Health Practitioners Mental health practitioners in...
By Lambert Oigara, Consultant Clinical Psychologist Overview: This article discusses the impact of colonial legacies on mental health practices in Africa, particularly in Kenya. It outlines how colonialism marginalized traditional African healing practices and promoted Western mental health methods, often to the detriment of culturally relevant approaches. Additionally, it highlights modern challenges in mental health...
