People with mental illnesses such as depression are more often than not misunderstood. Often characterized as attention-seeking, fragile, lazy, violent, uninspired, and unstable. For those suffering from cancer, the opposite is true. They are seen as daring, strong, bold, and determined.
We get this unfavorable impression of how mental illness is portrayed in the media and in real life. For instance, “depression” is sometimes used to describe feelings of extreme sadness. Like after a favorite character has died in a TV show, might be followed with, “Wow, I’m actually so depressed right now”. Actually, depression is more than being unhappy.
Depression is a preoccupation with past losses. This results in intense thoughts of suicide or death, fear, worthlessness, and misery. Thus, it’s more than an adjective that we can use as needed.
Individuals suffering from depression are unwell as those with cancer. People with depression, like those with cancer, are courageous and strong. They fight their disease every day, often by themselves.
In the past, those who were in great pain had little choice but to remain silent. Society stigmatized anyone who dared to talk about their mental illness. This fear of stigma discrimination keeps people away from seeking help. For instance, jokes or trivializing remarks about mental illness shuts people down. It makes you avoid opening up to your family and/ or friends.
We get this unfavorable impression of how mental illness is portrayed in the media and in real life. For instance, “depression” is sometimes used to describe feelings of extreme sadness. Like after a favorite character has died in a TV show, might be followed with, “Wow, I’m actually so depressed right now”. Actually, depression is more than being unhappy.
Depression is a preoccupation with past losses. This results in intense thoughts of suicide or death, fear, worthlessness, and misery. Thus, it’s more than an adjective that we can use as needed.
Individuals suffering from depression are unwell as those with cancer. People with depression, like those with cancer, are courageous and strong. They fight their disease every day, often by themselves.
In the past, those who were in great pain had little choice but to remain silent. Society stigmatized anyone who dared to talk about their mental illness. This fear of stigma discrimination keeps people away from seeking help. For instance, jokes or trivializing remarks about mental illness shuts people down. It makes you avoid opening up to your family and/ or friends.
Depression Prevalence in Kenya
Globally, depression is the most prevalent illness. Kenya, which has 1.9 million individuals with the illness, was ranked fourth in Africa (WHO Report, 2014). According to the Kenya Mental Health Policy (2015-2030), mental disorder cases in Kenya continue to rise. Government figures show that at least 1 in 4 Kenyans experience mental illness at some point in their lives. Estimates suggest that 20–25 percent of outpatients accessing primary healthcare at any given time exhibit signs of mental illness.
Recently, we have become witnesses to a plethora of horrifying incidents. For example, school children taking their life, others murdering their loved ones. Depression and other mental health conditions are the leading cause for these incidents. Even though this is not the case in all these occurrences.
Many people, including celebrities, have come forward to discuss their struggles. Regardless of being high achievers, some people quit or had their employment terminated. This is because of non-performance brought on by a loss of interest. A loss of interest brought on by mental health struggles. Some are abusing drugs and alcohol, while others are severing ties with their own family.
Despite the stigma attached to mental illness, those who have accepted it, recover. And also serve as role models for others. They prove that the illness is manageable and ultimately curable.
Recently, we have become witnesses to a plethora of horrifying incidents. For example, school children taking their life, others murdering their loved ones. Depression and other mental health conditions are the leading cause for these incidents. Even though this is not the case in all these occurrences.
Many people, including celebrities, have come forward to discuss their struggles. Regardless of being high achievers, some people quit or had their employment terminated. This is because of non-performance brought on by a loss of interest. A loss of interest brought on by mental health struggles. Some are abusing drugs and alcohol, while others are severing ties with their own family.
Despite the stigma attached to mental illness, those who have accepted it, recover. And also serve as role models for others. They prove that the illness is manageable and ultimately curable.
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