Depression is one of the major contributors to disability, disease and death globally. In 2017, Kenya had 1.9 million depression cases. Kenya was ranked as the sixth country in Africa with cases of depressive disorder. A large number of depression cases may still be under-detected, leading to under-treatment. Depression is reported to have a high rate among the youth.
Depression is a mental health illness. Stigmatisation is a common problem; this led to the original name of Mathare Mental Hospital being changed by dropping the word mental due to the shunning of the people. This move made a great change among Kenyan attitude. Being stressed is seen as a common issue regarded as a normal part of daily living. Financial strain and lack of opportunities to be employed are common causes of depression and anxiety.
The diagnosis and ongoing management of HIV can be emotionally challenging, with depression as a common co-occurring condition. Family history increases the risk. Traumatic events such as bullying, abuse, and loss of loved ones may trigger mental health issues. Dealing with chronic illnesses may be stressful. Lack of social support and isolation worsen depression. Living in unsafe areas may lead to depression. The youth who abuse drugs are at high risk of being diagnosed with depression.
The psychological symptoms are loss of pleasure in activities, persistent sadness or anxiousness, suicidal thoughts, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, feeling of helplessness and frustrations. Physical symptoms may include: sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, sexual dysfunctions, headache, low energy and digestive problems. Do you know that depression causes conditions? This may cause stroke, heart failure, cancer, peripheral artery disease, an increased risk of developing diabetes, asthma, chronic pain and gastrointestinal disorder.
To decrease depression cases, we have to do regular physical activities, have a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, pursue hobbies, social interaction, and have a creative outlet. The youth should avoid using drugs and alcohol to curb stress and depression, but seek medical attention to reduce death rates.
The government should combat depression by promoting mental health literacy, integrating mental healthcare systems, increasing funding for mental health services, increasing job opportunities to reduce poverty, supporting research to develop more strategies, encouraging the jua kali industry to increase self-employment, increasing security systems and increasing empowerment programs in Kenya.
As a community, we are to look after one another to empower and encourage one another. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. Empowerment is giving someone the strength to discover their own wings, not just helping them to fly.
