Every year, World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10, underscores the urgency of addressing mental health issues across the globe. This year, in Kenya, the day carries extra significance as advocates like Mical Imbukwa, a Nguvu Change Leader, highlight the overlooked needs of caregivers. While mental health policies have focused on the well-being of those suffering from mental health disorders, Imbukwa emphasizes that caregivers—the silent warriors in the mental health journey—have been left behind.
In a country where one in four people suffer from a mental health issue, caregivers take on the brunt of the emotional and physical toll of care, often at the expense of their own well-being. Imbukwa’s call to action is a timely reminder that mental health policies should not just serve those suffering from mental illnesses but also include provisions that safeguard the mental and physical health of their caregivers.
The Caregiver’s Invisible Burden
Mical Imbukwa’s advocacy for caregivers stems from her personal experiences and a deep understanding of the systemic neglect they face. As a caregiver herself, Mical’s story is one of sacrifice and struggle. She cares for her older brother, who suffers from alcohol use disorder (AUD) and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). This personal journey has brought into sharp focus the need for better support systems for caregivers—who, like her, are often left to navigate the complexities of mental health care without any formal support or recognition from the system.
In her petition to the Ministry of Health, Mical highlights that while the Kenya Mental Health Policy 2015-2030 aims to ensure optimal health for all citizens, it largely overlooks caregivers. The policy fails to address the physical and emotional toll that caring for a person with mental illness can take on an individual. “Caring for a person with mental illness takes a huge toll on caregivers. Due to the emotional and physical demands imposed on them, caregivers are very often at risk of developing psychological issues including acute stress and depression. Their mental wellness is rarely prioritized, and their need for psychosocial support is often overlooked,” says Mical.
In Kenya, the caregiving burden often falls on women, many of whom are juggling this demanding role with other responsibilities like work and raising families. The psychological stress caregivers experience frequently leads to burnout, which, if left unaddressed, can result in chronic stress, depression, and even physical health problems. Despite these challenges, caregivers are rarely acknowledged in Kenya’s mental health policies, leaving them to fend for themselves in a system that doesn’t recognize or support their needs.
Policy Gaps and Systemic Neglect
Kenya’s Mental Health (Amendment) Act of 2022 and the Mental Health Policy 2015-2030 were significant milestones in the country’s fight against mental illness. They recognize the widespread nature of mental health issues, with the 2020 Mental Health Taskforce Report identifying depression, suicide, substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, and psychosis as the leading mental illnesses in Kenya.
However, while these policies aim to improve access to mental health services and reduce stigma, they fail to recognize the critical role of caregivers in managing mental illness. As Mical points out, the lack of explicit mention of caregivers’ rights or their mental health needs within the policy is a glaring omission.
Caregivers are often left to provide care with minimal resources, training, or support from the health system. Many caregivers, like Mical, are thrust into the role with little warning or preparation, and the emotional, physical, and financial strain can be overwhelming. Mical notes that caregivers in Kenya often face discrimination, lack of recognition, and even subtle forms of abuse in both their personal and professional lives, which exacerbates their stress levels and negatively impacts their mental health.
Mical Imbukwa’s Advocacy: A Personal Plea for Caregivers’ Rights
Mical’s personal experiences have shaped her passionate plea for caregiver recognition in Kenya’s mental health policies. A journalist and a vocal advocate for women’s rights, gender equality, and mental health, she has seen firsthand how systemic neglect can worsen the mental health of both patients and caregivers.
Mical’s journey has been fraught with challenges. As a single, childless woman, she has faced societal and familial pressures to assume caregiving responsibilities for her brother, who suffers from AUD and NPD. The societal expectation that women, particularly single women, take on caregiving roles is a common experience in Kenya and much of the world. However, this expectation often leads to the neglect of the caregiver’s own emotional and physical needs.
Her experiences of religious brainwashing and workplace discrimination have only compounded her mental health struggles, making her acutely aware of the need for policies that prioritize the well-being of caregivers. For Mical, caring for her brother has not only strained her emotionally and financially but has also stifled her professional growth and aspirations.
In her online petition, Mical has urged the Ministry of Health and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Debra Mulongo Barasa to work with stakeholders to amend the Kenya Mental Health Policy and the Mental Health (Amendment) Act to include provisions for caregivers. She calls for psychosocial support, training, and financial assistance for caregivers, who are often left to shoulder the burden of care alone.
The Role of the Nguvu Collective and the Nivishe Foundation
Mical’s advocacy is not a solo effort. She is supported by the Nguvu Collective, a group dedicated to championing the rights of women and mental health patients in Kenya. The Nguvu Collective has partnered with the Nivishe Foundation, a youth and women-led organization that advocates for mental health awareness and the human rights of mental health patients.
Together, these organizations are pushing for a national conversation about the struggles of caregivers, the majority of whom are women. Their collaboration aims to shine a light on the mental health risks caregivers face and to push for policy changes that provide caregivers with the recognition, resources, and support they desperately need.
“The goal of these collaborative efforts is to spark a nationwide conversation highlighting the often-neglected struggles of caregivers, the majority of whom are women, whose mental health risks have increased due to the intense emotional and physical demands placed upon them,” says Mical.
The Path Forward: Amending the Mental Health Policy and Act
Mical Imbukwa’s petition calls for a comprehensive reform of Kenya’s mental health policies to include caregiver support. She emphasizes the need for:
- Psychosocial support: Caregivers need access to mental health services, counseling, and support groups to help them cope with the emotional demands of caregiving.
- Financial assistance: Many caregivers are forced to take time off work or leave their jobs entirely to care for their loved ones. Financial support or compensation for caregivers should be considered within the policy.
- Training and resources: Caregivers need access to training and resources to help them provide care without sacrificing their well-being. This includes education on mental health disorders, caregiving techniques, and how to manage stress.
- Legal protection: The mental health rights of caregivers should be explicitly outlined in the policy, ensuring they are protected from discrimination and abuse.
Conclusion: A Call for Collective Action
As World Mental Health Day draws attention to the growing need for inclusive mental health policies, Mical Imbukwa’s advocacy for caregivers serves as a crucial reminder of the overlooked needs within Kenya’s healthcare system. Her plea is not just for herself but for the thousands of caregivers across the country who are silently carrying the burden of mental illness care. With the support of organizations like Nguvu Collective and Nivishe Foundation, there is hope that the voices of caregivers will be heard, and meaningful policy changes will be enacted to support their mental and emotional well-being.
This World Mental Health Day, let us not only focus on those suffering from mental illness but also recognize and support the caregivers who play an indispensable role in their care.
