By Lambert Oigara, Consultant Clinical Psychologist Mental Health and well-being programs are scarce and inaccessible to many, especially in rural areas. Despite the continued efforts by the community to promote and practice physical health and well-being, the country’s mental wellness is greatly impacted by the government’s negligible budgetary allocation. Over the past decade, drastic changes...
By Lambert Oigara, Consultant Clinical Psychologist The unintended consequence of deinstitutionalizing mental health facilities, commonly known as asylums, was a rise in homelessness. The misconception that chronic mental illnesses like Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia were curable led to a complex interplay between individuals with mental illness who self-medicated with alcohol and drugs, perpetuating a cycle...
In 1969, former president of the American Psychological Association (APA), George A. Miller, envisioned making psychology accessible to the general public, urging his peers to ‘give away Psychology.’ During an era dominated by Freudian psychoanalysis, Piaget’s cognitive theory, and Watson’s behavioural theories, psychology gained traction in the Western world following the aftermath of World War...
Modern epidemic; the depths of sleep deprivation – By Lambert Oigara, Consultant Clinical Psychologist The issue of sleep deprivation remains widespread, often normalized despite its profound impact on our well-being. Throughout history, the importance of sleep has been evident, with figures like Charles Dickens, Thomas Edison, and Abraham Lincoln sharing their struggles and innovative coping...
Mindful eating during festivities – CBT Kenya As the holiday season approaches, our senses are tantalized by the promise of festive feasts and treasured treats. It’s a time of joy, celebration, and, often, an abundance of food that can sometimes lead to overindulgence. But what if we could savor the richness of these culinary delights...
The Profound Connection Between Mental Health and Nutrition – CBT Kenya In the fast-paced world we live in, the importance of mental health is receiving more attention than ever before. From stress and anxiety to depression and bipolar disorder, the spectrum of mental health conditions is wide and varied. What might come as a surprise...
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month – CBT Kenya July marks the observance of National Minority Mental Health Month, a nationwide initiative established by Mental Health America. This important awareness campaign aims to shed light on the diverse range of mental health experiences within Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities. The month also...
Caffeine-induced anxiety disorder – CBT Kenya Caffeine-Induced Anxiety Disorder typically presents with symptoms similar to panic attacks or generalized anxiety. This can be diagnosed when there is evidence from the history, physical examination, or laboratory findings suggesting that anxiety developed within one month of caffeine intoxication. Caffeine is the most popular and widely-used drug in...
Emotional Detachment Disorder – CBT Kenya This is a psychological condition in which a person is not able to fully engage with their feelings or the feelings of others. For some people, being emotionally detached helps protect them from unwanted drama, anxiety, or stress. For others, the detachment isn’t always voluntary. It’s instead the result...
Avoidant Personality Disorder – CBT Kenya A person who has an avoidant personality disorder is aware of being uncomfortable in social situations and often feels socially inept. Despite this self-awareness, comments by others about your shyness or nervousness in social settings may feel like criticism or rejection. This is especially true if you are teased,...