13 MENTAL HEALTH FACTS that you should know.

In an effort to clear up common misconceptions and promote increased mental health awareness, we present 15 important facts about mental health.Millions of Kenyans quietly battle mental health issues each year. Mental Health Awareness Month aims to destigmatize this condition by encouraging open conversations as well as developing and implementing effective methods for treatment. We hope that these 15 facts about mental health will encourage you to discuss these issues with those you care about.

01 lived experience
One in five Kenyans has experienced some form of mental illness, with one in 25 experiencing serious mental illness, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
02 suicide
The number of suicide cases reported in the media has increased in the last several years. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that the number of suicides reported in Kenya rose by 58 per cent between 2008 and 2017 to reach 421. Out of the 421 suicide cases in 2017, 330 involved men compared to 91 women. On average, 317 people commit suicide every year
 03 war & disaster
The rate of mental health disorders doubles for those who have been to war or lived through a major disaster.
04 non- violent
People with a mental health issue are generally nonviolent. In fact, only 3-5% of violent acts can be attributed to people with a serious mental illness.
05 factors
Many factors can lead to mental illness, including genetics, physical illness or injury, and traumatic life experiences.
06 stigma 
Many people in Kenya do not seek treatment for mental illness due to the associated stigma. Only 44% of adults with diagnosable mental illnesses receive treatment.
07 treatment
Treatment for mental health problems doesn’t only consist of prescribed or OTC medication only. Therapy, yoga, meditation and holistic treatments can all help to assuage symptoms.
08 prevention

By addressing risk factors such as trauma, it is possible to prevent certain mental health disorders, especially in children and adolescents.
09 Expensive
Improving mental health services in low- to medium-income countries is not as costly as some may think. An investment of only KES.200 -400 per capita would have a major impact on millions of lives.
 10 The Youth
20% of youth have a mental health condition, with one in 10 young people having experienced a period of major depression.
 11 LGBTQ
Members of the LGBTQ community are twice as likely as straight individuals to have a mental health condition.
 12 Reduction In Symptoms
70-90% of people who seek proper treatment for mental health disorders witness a significant reduction in symptoms.
 13 Productivity
Last but not least: most people living with mental illness lead productive lives despite their challenges.

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