- September 11, 2024
- Comments: 20
- Posted by: cbtkeadmin
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 and the resulting burnout among professionals. It emphasizes the lack of support systems for these professionals, making it difficult to sustain the fight against mental health stigma and ensure the well-being of those providing care.
Rising Demand and the Psychologist Workforce Crisis.
In 2018, Kenya saw a significant increase in mental health-seeking behavior, particularly among Generation Z. However, this surge was met with a critical shortage of mental and physical healthcare professionals, mirroring a broader global crisis where the demand for health services exceeded the supply of qualified professionals.
An Imminent Global Crisis
The global healthcare workforce was already stretched thin, but the situation in Kenya was especially severe. Mental health professionals were in high demand as more Kenyans sought psychological support, often turning to online platforms to access care. This trend was consistent with global patterns, where rising awareness and reduced stigma led to an increased need for mental health services.
The Popularity of Psychologists and the Self-Help Movement
The growing popularity of psychologists in Kenya is reminiscent of the baby boomer generation’s embrace of self-help books like Thomas A. Harris’s “I’m Okay, You’re Okay,” which sold over 15 million copies and encouraged personal growth and seeking professional help. Therapy became a space for individuals to feel heard and develop coping strategies in a non-judgmental environment.
The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Tipping Point
By March 2020, the demand for mental health services in Kenya reached unprecedented levels as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing issues and introduced new challenges. This surge in demand was part of a global trend where healthcare professionals faced increased workloads and higher rates of burnout. A 2022 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 60% of U.S. psychologists had no openings, and nearly 50% reported experiencing burnout.
Training the Next Generation of Professionals
The urgent need for more mental health professionals was highlighted in a 2022 publication by Dylan et al., which called for closer collaboration between clinicians and researchers and emphasized mentoring future professionals to be both scientifically rigorous and emotionally resilient. However, the path forward remains uncertain, with progress being more anecdotal than evidence-based.
The Kenyan Perspective
Kenya’s mental health crisis among healthcare professionals was starkly illustrated on February 8, 2023, when the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) reported that seven doctors had died by suicide due to depression. This alarming statistic underscores the immense pressure on healthcare professionals, with work stress and depression cited as key factors.
A survey of therapy centers from 2020 to the present shows a significant increase in mental and physical health professionals seeking therapy. Seasoned psychologists are working longer hours, often missing supervision sessions, and having little time for self-care.
A Growing Crisis in Kenya and Africa
The demand for therapy is rapidly increasing in Kenya and across Africa, highlighting the vulnerability of mental health practitioners. The lack of research on this crisis complicates efforts to address it, as there is little data to quantify its impact or guide interventions.
The Way Forward
The challenges facing mental health professionals in Kenya reflect a broader global trend. Addressing this crisis requires not only increasing the number of trained professionals but also improving their well-being through better working conditions, more research, and stronger support networks.
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