Understanding Mental Health – CBT Kenya

Part of the reason for negative attitudes and behavior towards people with mental illness is a lack of knowledge and a fear of the unknown. Anyone can experience mental illness—it’s more common than you may think. So it’s important that we try to gain a better understanding of what people around us may be going through.

What are mental health problems?

A mental health problem is when the way you’re thinking, feeling or acting becomes difficult for you to cope with. We can all feel sad, worried, angry or fed up at times – like nerves before an exam or feeling down when a friend moves away. But if these feelings last a long time, like if you always feel low or can’t sleep, it might be a sign that you need more help

Can I live well with a mental health problem?

It’s true that mental health problems can affect parts of your life. But, you can manage your symptoms by trying to spot what makes your mental health worse, like stress or not enough sleep, and taking steps to change these things. You can also do things you know make your mental health better or more stable. For example, meeting up with a friend or playing sport. By taking steps to look after yourself, you can still lead a happy and fulfilled life.

Can I get better from a mental health problem?

It’s possible to get better from a mental health problem, and lots of people do. Your symptoms might return from time to time, but when you’ve found the right combination of self-care, treatment and support that works for you, it’s likely you’ll be able to manage them better.

Tips for mental health and wellbeing

We all know that to keep a car going, we have to fill it with petrol, check the oil and water regularly and give the tires some air. To see a bank balance grow, we need to make steady deposits. But how often do we take the time to reflect on whether we are giving ourselves what we need to flourish and live well? The following are some tips to get you started.

1. Get involved and join in. Being part of a group with common interests provides a sense of belonging so find out about sporting, music, volunteer or community groups locally
2. Build your confidence. Learning improves your mental fitness and taking on a new challenge can build confidence and give you a sense of achievement
3. Be comfortable in your own skin. Everyone is unique and should be celebrated. Know who you are and what makes you happy.
4. Set realistic goals and deal with tasks one at a time. It is good to be specific when you set a goal to help keep you on track
5. Reach out for help when you need it. Everyone needs support from time to time. Talking to a family member, a friend, your doctor or one of the many services available can make all the difference.

Final word

If you or someone you care about is experiencing mental illness, you need to know you are not alone. There is a great deal of help available within the community. Every person has mental health. It is our emotional, psychological, and social well being. Take time to learn more about mental illnesses – Education promotes empathy and understanding.

It’s important to remember that getting better is a journey. It will also mean different things to different people.  If

you still have questions, contact CBT Kenya at , +254 756 454 585 to learn more about this important initiative and

how we can help.