Mental health is a significant issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Mental health problems can cause distress, suffering, and social isolation to the affected person. In Kenya, mental health issues have been neglected for far too long.

The Kenyan government has made some strides towards improving mental health services by launching the Kenya Mental Health Policy in 2015. However, there is still a lot that needs to be done to improve mental health services in the country. One way to achieve this goal is by establishing a mental health committee in Kenya’s education system.

In this article, we will explain why a mental health committee is essential in Kenya Education System (KESY).

Enhancing awareness of mental health issues

Most people have little knowledge about mental health issues, the causes, and treatments. By establishing a mental health committee in KESY, we can enhance awareness of mental health issues.

Students, teachers, and parents can all be educated about mental health issues, which will help to reduce stigma and discrimination towards individuals with mental health challenges. Mental health committee members can hold seminars, workshops, and training sessions to help people understand the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

Identification of mental health issues

One of the most significant challenges in mental health is identifying individuals with mental health challenges.

Most people with mental health issues do not seek help because they do not have access to professional mental health services or because of the stigma associated with mental health problems. By establishing a mental health committee in KESY, we can identify students, teachers, and staff members who are struggling with mental health challenges.

The committee members can then provide support, counseling, and referral services to individuals who need help.

Early intervention and prevention of mental health issues

Early intervention is essential in preventing the development of mental health problems.

By establishing a mental health committee in KESY, we can identify individuals who are at risk of developing mental health problems and provide early intervention services. The mental health committee can also initiate prevention programs such as stress management and coping skills training to help students, teachers, and staff members develop the skills they need to prevent the development of mental health issues.

Prevention programs can also help to create a healthy learning environment, which can enhance academic performance and overall well-being.

Collaboration with other stakeholders

Establishing a mental health committee in KESY can facilitate collaboration with other stakeholders in mental health.

The committee can work with mental health professionals, non-profit organizations, and government agencies to advocate for the rights of individuals with mental health challenges, improve mental health policies, and enhance mental health services in schools. Collaboration can also ensure that individuals with mental health challenges have access to the resources they need to recover from mental illness.

Enhancing academic performance and overall well-being

Mental health challenges can affect academic performance and overall well-being. Students who experience mental health problems are more likely to drop out of school or miss classes, which can affect their academic performance.

On the other hand, teachers who struggle with mental health challenges might struggle to perform their duties, which can affect the quality of education they provide. By establishing a mental health committee in KESY, we can enhance academic performance and overall well-being by ensuring that individuals with mental health challenges receive the support they need to recover.

Reducing absenteeism and presenteeism

Mental health challenges can cause absenteeism and presenteeism in schools, which can affect academic performance and overall well-being. Absenteeism occurs when students miss classes due to mental health challenges.

Presenteeism is when individuals attend school or work but do not perform optimally due to mental health challenges. By establishing a mental health committee in KESY, we can reduce absenteeism and presenteeism by providing early intervention services and support to students, teachers, and staff members who struggle with mental health challenges.

Creating a safe and supportive environment

Establishing a mental health committee in KESY can create a safe and supportive learning environment for students, teachers, and staff members.

Mental health committee members can create programs that promote positive mental health practices, such as mindfulness, meditation, and physical exercises. These programs can help to create a supportive learning environment, which can enhance academic performance and overall well-being.

Ending stigma and discrimination

Stigma and discrimination towards individuals with mental health challenges are some of the most significant challenges in mental health.

By establishing a mental health committee in KESY, we can end stigma and discrimination by educating people about mental health issues, creating a safe and supportive learning environment, and providing counseling services to individuals who need help. An end to stigma and discrimination can encourage individuals with mental health challenges to seek help and improve the overall mental health of the population.

Conclusion

Establishing a mental health committee in KESY can facilitate early intervention, prevention, and support services for individuals with mental health challenges.

Collaboration with other stakeholders can also enhance mental health policies and services in the education sector. Mental health committees can also create a safe and supportive learning environment that enhances academic performance and overall well-being. Mental health committees can also end stigma and discrimination and promote positive mental health practices.