By Lambert Oigara, Consultant Clinical Psychologist “I don’t see the difference between breaking your leg and having a mental health breakdown. It’s health, there is no distinction.” These sentiments by US President Joe Biden highlight the undeniable link between mental and physical health. However, many around the world do not receive adequate mental health care....
By Lambert Oigara, Consultant Clinical Psychologist Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most misconstrued mental health conditions. Misconceptions and myths continue to mislead people’s views about the condition, which, if managed effectively, can avert confusion in many people’s lives. If not well managed, women living with undiagnosed or misdiagnosed ADHD lead a...
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...
By Lambert Oigara, Consultant Clinical Psychologist Fluctuation in emotions between highs, lows, neutrality, and unpredictability are normal responses to life’s daily encounters. Emotions are influenced by daily stressors, mood states, financial obligations, relationships, and external circumstances. While some individuals naturally express emotions openly, others may suppress or struggle to articulate them due to various experiences...
Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a noticeable increase in mental health awareness, accompanied by a surge in prevention and education programs across urban and rural areas in Kenya. This surge likely fueled a demand for accessible, high-quality, and cost-effective competency-based interventions. Traditionally, psychotherapy leaned heavily on psychoanalysis pioneered by Sigmund Freud,...
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...
Self-Compassion: Treating Yourself with Kindness – CBT Kenya What is Self-Compassion? At its core, self-compassion is about treating oneself with the same level of kindness and understanding that we would offer to a good friend. It’s recognizing that perfection is unattainable and that making mistakes is part of being human. Dr. Kristin Neff, a leading...
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...
Addressing mental health concerns in men Mental health has long been a subject that’s been stigmatized and misunderstood. Unfortunately, societal expectations and traditional gender roles have contributed to a culture where men, in particular, feel pressured to remain stoic, strong, and silent when it comes to their emotional well-being. However, it’s crucial that we challenge...
Goal-setting and time management techniques – CBT Kenya Mental health is a critical component of our overall well-being. Achieving success and balance in our lives can be profoundly influenced by our mental health. In this blog post, we will explore the connection between goal-setting and time management techniques and their impact on mental well-being. By...
