Are Mental Health Days a Thing? Why Kenya Needs to Take Them Seriously
Picture this. It is a Wednesday morning in Nairobi. You have barely slept, traffic on Thika Road has already tested your patience, and by 10 a.m., your mind feels like ugali that has been reheated too many times, stiff, heavy, and unyielding. You are not sick in the 'flu and fever' way, but deep down, you know you are running on empty.
So, here is the question: Can you actually call in and say, I need a mental health day?
The short answer: Yes. Mental health days are a thing. And they might just be the best-kept secret to surviving modern Kenyan life.
What Exactly Is a Mental Health Day?
A mental health day is simply a day you take off to recharge your mind and emotions, the same way you would take a sick day to recover from malaria or a tooth extraction. It is a deliberate pause from work or school, not because you are lazy, but because you recognize that stress, anxiety, or burnout is taking a toll.
Globally, mental health days are gaining recognition. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has consistently emphasized the importance of workplace wellness, linking mental health to productivity. In Kenya, though, the idea is still fairly new. Many employees fear being labeled unserious if they ever admit, 'Boss, I just need a break for my mental well-being.'
Why Mental Health Days Matter in Kenya
Kenyan life is a cocktail of stress triggers: endless traffic jams, rising living costs, family responsibilities, and work pressure. According to the Kenya Mental Health Policy (2015 to 2030), nearly 1 in 4 Kenyans is likely to experience a mental health issue in their lifetime. Yet, many still push through until they collapse.
A mental health day allows you to pause before the 'collapse' moment. It gives you time to:
- Rest and reset your body.
- Reflect and release built-up emotions.
- Recharge your creativity and focus.
Think of it as taking your car for service before the engine knocks. Preventive, not reactive.
Signs You Might Need a Mental Health Day
- You are constantly irritable and snapping at people.
- Your brain feels foggy, and you cannot concentrate even on simple tasks.
- You are emotionally drained, anxious, or restless.
- Work feels like punishment rather than purpose.
If any of this sounds familiar, it is your mind waving a red flag.
But Wait, That is not Just Skiving Off?
Ah, the tricky part. Let us be real. In Kenya, the phrase 'I am working from home today' has sometimes been code for 'I need to sleep in' or 'catch up on Netflix.' So yes, mental health days can be misused as an excuse to skive off work.
This is why many employers are skeptical. They fear that if they openly allow mental health days, employees will abuse them. And let us face it, a few might.
But here is the difference:
- Skiving is escaping responsibility without purpose.
- A genuine mental health day is intentional rest to come back stronger.
It is about honesty with yourself and with your employer. And companies that create awareness around this often find that employees return more productive, not less.
What to Actually Do on a Mental Health Day
The key is to use the day wisely. No, it is not just a chance to scroll TikTok endlessly or hang out at your local kibanda. Here are healthier options:
1. Sleep in and give your body rest.
2. Go for a morning walk, run, or gym session.
3. Spend time in nature (Karura, Arboretum, Ngong Hills).
4. Journal, meditate, or pray.
5. Cook your favorite meal, listen to music, or read.
6. Book a session with a therapist if you are overwhelmed.
Pro tip: Avoid checking work emails and WhatsApp groups. It is your reset button, not 'work from home light.'
Kenyan Workplaces and Mental Health Days
Some progressive companies in Nairobi are starting to integrate mental health leave into their wellness programs. A few banks, NGOs, and tech firms already offer counseling services or wellness days. But for most Kenyan organizations, this is still uncharted territory.
Imagine if HR recognized that giving one day off could prevent weeks of burnout and poor performance. That is where Elevate Wellness and similar mental health consultancies come in, helping organizations create policies that balance employee well-being with productivity.
The Bigger Picture
Mental health days are not a luxury; they are a necessity. They help prevent burnout, reduce stigma, and improve overall performance. Taking one does not mean you are weak; it means you value your mind as much as your body.
So, are mental health days a thing? Absolutely. The bigger question is: when was the last time you gave your mind the same care you give your body?
Final Word
Next time you feel like you have hit a wall, remember: resting is not the opposite of working; it is part of it. Take that day, reset, and return with a clearer mind.
At Elevate Wellness Consultancy, we help individuals and organizations embrace wellness as part of everyday life, whether through counseling, corporate wellness programs, or innovative tools like virtual reality therapy for anxiety and trauma. Because a healthy mind is not just a thing. It is everything.