According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is defined as a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), a need for constant admiration, and a lack of empathy. Research shows that narcissism exists on a spectrum, meaning not everyone with narcissistic traits has the...
The festive season is often a time of joy and celebration, but it can also bring heightened risks of alcohol misuse, relapse, and the possibility of dependency. By being mindful of consumption, recognizing triggers, and applying coping skills, we can navigate these challenges without compromising our well-being. Alcohol is one of the most widely misused...
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...
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....
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, 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...
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....
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...