Tara Hospital celebrated World Mental Health Day, annually celebrated on 10 October, on 21 October.
The theme of the day was titled ‘Dignity in mental health – psychological and mental health first aid for all’.
Dr Florence Otieno, chief executive officer of Tara Hospital, welcomed everyone present. “The aim of today’s event is to educate ourselves and our loved ones to address the stigma associated with mental ill-health so that dignity is promoted and respected.” She added that psychological and mental health first aid should be available to all, and not just a few.
Various speakers were invited to the event to talk about mental health. Child development and protection consultant, Luke Lamprecht, focused on the empowerment and fair treatment of people with mental disabilities. “People must take action to promote mental health and spread understanding of the equal importance of mental and physical health and their integration in care and treatment.”
He concluded that the government should focus on providing culturally sensitive learning materials to increase the skills of the general public in administering psychological and mental health first aid.
