In the recent past mental health was a very foreign conversation in Kenya. Very few people talked about it and the few who did either had a relative or friend who was suffering.
However, over the past three years many people have come out openly to talk about depression. Others are openly seeking mental health support and we have heard of more and more suicide cases.
Where have these issues been hiding? Is this a wave that is passing by or a result of the current state of the nation? Is Mental Health a fad or a real issue that is coming out in form of depression and suicide because of the hidden feelings and ignored emotions?
Some of the causes of suicide and depression in Kenya include: high cost of living, unemployment, poverty, lack of proper institutions to handle mental issues, fear of speaking up.
Other factors contributing to rising mental issues are: financial constraints, discrimination, stigma, fear of violence and inadequate availability of essential drugs for psychosocial and mental disorders.
The country is in a hopeless state and it is all trickling down to the people. Such as a sad state but our leadership are responsible for most of these issues. Just a few policy changes and Kenya is turned into a paradise.
It could be that maybe because people are more open to talking about mental health more which helps lessen stigmatization of going to get checked.
Also life in kenya is not too pleasant. The cost of living and lack of employment can be a major factor in these cases rising. Lots of people may turn to drugs or commit suicide because they see no other way to survive. Living in kenya in recent times has made it look like there is no hope for the future.
The biggest culprit is the high cost of living which is driving individuals to vie life differently.
I Think the solution to all these mental issue starts with finding the root cause, which is our own memory… our own mind working against us, mostly, these issues are either past events in our lives or fear of uncertainty for the future… the mind should work for us not vice versa