The impact of Covid-19 on Kenyans is not only causing economic distress but an invisible emotional strain. Recent weeks have seen the sharpest economic pullback in modern history and a record-breaking spike in unemployment. It is inevitable that the global pandemic, compounded by the financial crisis, will have a material impact on the behavioral health of society.
With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, Gucora Andu, a consultancy focused on people, came up with a report concerning The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health in Kenya which looks at how Kenyans have been doing ever since the first case of Coronavirus was announced on the 13th March 2020.
According to a survey conducted by Gucora Andu, here are the five main causes of anxiety Kenyans are experiencing during Covid-19 in order:
- Job/income loss; for some, this was coupled with the feeling of uncertainty of the future
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Getting the virus
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News and publications about COVID 19
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Social Distancing/quarantine
And how, are people coping with their anxiety?
The survey shows that most people are watching movies/ series, reading stories by John Doe, followed by prayer, cooking, baking, and working among other things, with fewer people attending mental health webinars, seeking professional assistance, or learning a new skill.
For more conversations and insights concerning Kenyans’ mental health during this time read here.
