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{
    "id": 1424748,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1424748/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 134,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Mungatana, MGH",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "awareness surrounding research and treatments, reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and celebrate recovery from mental illness. In Kenya, we are only beginning to embrace, appreciate and accept mental health as an important aspect of our well-being. Therefore, we are not as schooled in these mental health matters as we should be. Some reasons that make people not seek care for mental illness include stigma and lack of awareness. Signs of mental health conditions and even lack of resources, make us also not seek mental health treatment. Mental Health Awareness Month offers us an opportunity to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental and behavioral health issues, as well as highlight the ways mental illness and addiction can affect all of us; patients, providers, families, and our societies at large. Hospitals and health systems play an important role in the conversations around mental health care, including creating partnerships that address mental health issues in non-traditional ways. Previously, I served in the Ministry of Medical Services, and there was a serious shortage of doctors in the Department of Mental Health. Mr. Speaker, Sir, this week, 13th to 19th May, 2024 is mental health awareness week. The theme that has been dedicated for the week is “Movement: Moving more forour mental health”. Movement is important for our mental health and many of us struggle to move enough. There are various reasons for this, but during this mental health awareness week, I encourage us, and Kenyans in general, to find moments for movements in their daily routine. Simple but most neglected things such as going for a walk in your neighborhood, putting on your favorite music and dancing around the living room, chair exercises while watching television, count. As the Chair of the Senate Sports Committee assisted by Sen. Beth Syengo, we are encouraging our Members to go back to the field because we are now starting serious training for the games in December. One of the most important things we can do to help protect our mental health is regular movement. Our bodies and minds are interconnected. Looking after ourselves physically also helps us prevent problems with our mental health. Movement is a great way to enhance well-being. Life gets busy and it can feel like we do not have time to spend on activities to improve our wellbeing. However, finding moments throughout the day might be easier than we think. I would like to invite all of us to reflect on some simple questions. How often do you find yourself waiting for the kettle to boil, children to come out of school, waiting in your car, waiting for delivery? If you use the time for moving, that will certainly add up. You could do simple things like marching on the spot, flexing your toes and fingers, stretches on your chair. When you are beginning to move more for your mental health, it is recommended that you set goals for yourselves. Simple walking can be a goal. Pushing yourself each day further can be a goal. Perhaps it might be a good idea to keep a movement journal so that you can track your progress. I would like to encourage us to take a break from sitting. Many of us sit for long periods during the day because of the kind of duties we do. However, we must choose to move because this is the best option that we can most practically do on a day-to-day basis. I was reading the last regrets that most people who are about to die have. This is"
}