Vihiga County; Over indulgence in drugs has been cited as the cause of the increased cases of mental disorders among the youth in the county.
Area Mental Health coordinator Francis Nyota said more residents were involving themselves in drug abuse as a way to relieve stress.
He said they have witnessed many cases of mental problem among the locals who have been abusing drugs.
Mr. Nyota revealed that they have been receiving more than 200 patients monthly which is slightly an increase from 120 cases in the past three months.
Nyota, who is also the nursing officer in charge of Vihiga County Referral Hospital, cited cerebral malaria and HIV as other causes of mental problem affecting the youth.
He said those who are mentally challenged can be treated and managed if they seek treatment early and called upon parents not to shun their children in case they become affected or the ones that are already affected.
“We have to care and provide for these mentally challenged patients. It is important that we don’t isolate them from public,” advised Nyota.
He said the department has been creating awareness about the challenges they undergo and how they can get help from medical doctors.
Nyota added that in some circumstances, people associate such problems with witchcraft and therefore they see no need of seeking medication, advising them to first seek medication in such cases.
“As much as some people believe in witchcraft, the patients need counseling and treatment from doctors,” maintained Nyota.
He also cautioned the residents about recurrent stress and living in denial as this would lead to personality disorganization.
While speaking at Rural District Hospital in Mbale town, he called on the residents to respect mentally challenged people.
