By Muthoni Njagi, Therapist & Mental Health Advocate
May – Mental Health Awareness Month
Have you ever thought about going to therapy but never followed through?
Maybe you even went for a session or two, then stopped.
Life got busy.
Or maybe—if you’re honest—it felt too uncomfortable, unfamiliar, or even unnecessary.
Yet if your life isn’t where you want it to be, or if you’re still stuck in patterns you thought you’d outgrow by now, you’re not alone. One question I often hear in my therapy room, especially from high-performing professionals, is:
“Why is it so hard to ask for mental health support?”
Let’s unpack this.
🌿 Therapy Is Not a Luxury. It’s a Necessity.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s a powerful reminder that we all need mental wellness—not just when we’re in crisis, but even more so to prevent one.
Research shows that therapy is dose-dependent. According to the American Psychological Association, the average number of sessions required to see meaningful progress is about 8 to 10 sessions per issue. That’s right—just like antibiotics, you need the full dose to heal properly.
But still, many people stop at session one. Or never start at all.
💡 Why Don’t People Seek Mental Health Support?
Here are some common reasons I’ve encountered in my practice—and maybe you’ll recognize yourself in one of them:
1. “I Can Handle It on My Own.”
This is by far the most common.
It’s tied to strength, independence, and sometimes pride.
But no one navigates life alone—not well, at least. Just like we go to doctors for our physical health, we need therapists for our mental and emotional health. Strength is not doing it alone. Strength is knowing when to ask for help.
2. “I Talk to My Friends or Family.”
While your friends and family are valuable, they may not always be trained to help you navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, or burnout.
Mental health professionals offer a neutral, confidential, and trained space to help you unpack, process, and heal in ways your social circle might not be able to.
3. “It’s Too Expensive.”
Yes, therapy is an investment.
But consider this: the cost of untreated mental health issues—from lost productivity to broken relationships—is far greater.
Today, many organizations, hospitals, NGOs, and insurance providers in Kenya and beyond offer subsidized therapy options. Don’t let cost be a barrier to your well-being.
4. “I’m Not ‘Sick Enough’ to Need Therapy.”
This one stems from the misconception that therapy is only for people in crisis.
In truth, therapy is for anyone who wants to improve their life, relationships, or self-awareness. As psychologist Dr. Thema Bryant puts it,
“You don’t have to be in crisis to seek help. You just have to be human.”
5. “I Went Once, But It Didn’t Help.”
Therapy is a journey, not a quick fix. One session might open the door, but real change takes time, consistency, and the right fit with your therapist. If the first one wasn’t a good match, that doesn’t mean therapy doesn’t work—it just means you haven’t found your person yet.
🧠 Mental Health Support is Highly Personal
Mental health isn’t one-size-fits-all.
You might learn about depression or anxiety from a YouTube video or a TikTok reel, but your healing path is unique to you.
Therapy isn’t about consuming content—it’s about transformation, done in a safe, personalized, guided space.
🔍 So, What Can You Do This May?
As we honor Mental Health Awareness Month, here’s a gentle suggestion:
Book an assessment with a qualified mental health professional.
It won’t hurt—but it might heal.
Let this be the year you prioritize your inner world just as much as your outer one.
🗣 Over to You:
Have you ever seen a therapist?
What was your experience like—or what held you back?
Let’s normalize these conversations.
Your mental health is not optional.
Your wellbeing is not negotiable.
Your healing is not a weakness—it’s a human right.
#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #TherapyWorks #KenyanMindAndJusticeDigest #NormalizeTherapy #MentalHealthInKenya #MentalHealthSupport #TherapistsInKenya #ProfessionalWellness #YouAreNotAlone
