Technology is a growing industry, and its growth is immensely noticeable in our day-to-day lives. As the world evolves with technology Kenya is not left behind. Technology is being introduced in every aspect of life including the health sector, especially the mental health department. Mental health and technology have a dual relationship for instance on the one hand technology has broadened the opportunities for mental health support, and resources like therapy apps telemedicine, etc. while on the other hand, technology has affected the mental health of some individuals negatively, with the overload of social media cyberbullying. How does technology affect mental health in Kenya? Technology affects mental health positively and negatively at the same time. the negative side of this may be that it overlaps the privacy of an individual, which leads to stalking and so many more dangerous things cyberbullying, and overload due to overexposure to screens causing low productivity, distraction, and mental toughness. A boy being distracted by social media Cyberbullying causes self-induced anxiety and depression. Social media is mostly used at night thus causing poor sleeping habits which eventually turn into tiredness and irritability making an individual unbearable. Technology also plays a crucial part in the positivity of mental health in our community. With the introduction of teletherapy services that make mental health services more and easily available. The apps and online platforms such as Wazi Better Help and Niskize which are 24-hour service lines make it easier for people living in remote areas or with functional problems to get help as soon as they need it. These apps help the user learn the different types of mental health and how to manage and treat them. What is mental wellness technology? Mental health wellness technology is a wide variety of digital technologies and systems put in place to promote mental health. These modern technologies are computing and data analysis that are designed to give psychological health values to individuals. Teletherapy services on a mobile phone For instance, mood-monitoring apps, these apps track individuals’ emotional states over some time and raise awareness of factors that determine how they feel and mood changes. in addition to mood monitoring, there are also teletherapy apps that allow mental health support to be easily accessible and convenient. There are also virtual communities where people exchange their experiences, give each other some peer support, and have a sort of group identity. these technological empowerments work in synergistic collaboration with traditional mental health services to help reduce stigma and support people. At last, balance is the key. A balanced usage of technology limiting screen time to a reasonable amount and having enough awareness about its effects on mental health, while at the same time realizing that technology is a powerful tool that has a lot of advantages
Mental Health Issues While in the Diaspora
When you move to a new country where you know no one and your resources are limited there is a high chance that you will suffer from mental health issues. Diaspora depression is a complex condition that affects most people who move from their homeland. The move from people who provide emotional support can intensify emotional distress. The complications include discrimination language barrier and social difficulties. What are the effects of perceived discrimination on mental health? When moving to a new environment at some point you think to yourself about how to deal with discrimination, what an individual mostly doesn’t think about is the extent of the discrimination and racism one might face in the diaspora. A woman with mental health issues The impact of perceived discrimination in the diaspora may be even more catastrophic than in the homeland. Due to the perception of being discriminated and marginalized against an individual may experience more stress, anxiety, and depression. This may rock an individual’s confidence and destroy their self-esteem which in turn may inhibit their ability to assimilate and succeed in the diaspora. However, discrimination and racism may affect not only someone’s mental health but also their perspective of themselves which affects their well-being. How does cultural background affect mental health? Cultural norms, beliefs values, and attitudes towards mental health influence how an individual interprets and reacts towards mental health. In most cases, an individual from Kenya is very reserved toward therapy and mental institutions, thus making it hard for them to deal with their mental health. Acculturation-the process of adjusting to a new culture – may introduce more stress and dilemmas which only complicates mental health more. Cultural influence touches on the help-seeking behavior the coping mechanism availability and mental health services from an individual culture. Cultural conditions like spirituality and family background may either provide protection or aggravate mental health problems. A man struggling with mental health An individual who believes that he is not prone to any mental health issues or mental may be seen as a form of weakness thus making it hard for an individual to seek help considering his support system is not in the same state as his. The cultural factor plays a great part in forming a person’s understanding and consciousness of mental health. In conclusion depression and mental health issues is a broad topic that needs the community to come together to assist the affected. The process aimed at reaching a mutual understanding, respecting, and working towards promoting inclusiveness in the diaspora community to ensure mental stability and well.