The Silent Battle: Unmasking Depression in Kenya

The latest World Health Organization’s Atlas ranking of Kenya as the 5th in terms of the number of people living with depression in Africa reveals a silent epidemic.

What’s deeply troubling is not just the number of people affected, but the layers of denial, stigma, and lack of awareness that continue to fuel the crisis.

Many are suffering in silence, unable or unwilling to seek help because of the shame attached to mental illness. Depression is far more than just a passing emotion. It often shows up as persistent sadness, a loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, overwhelming guilt, and changes in sleep and appetite. In its most severe form, it can lead to suicidal thoughts. Depression is therefore not a character flaw or spiritual weakness but a real medical illness

 

In addition, social Media posts can depict changes in the tone and behaviour online and rapid, overwhelming posts or shifts in language can indicate distress. Coded suicide messages for example Online “farewell” notes are often calling for help, not just final goodbyes.

 

In high ffunctioning Depression, People may appear “okay” externally and even be productive and social until they burn out. Final ccancelling of plans, sudden withdrawal, or exhaustion can also be a warning sign.

The fact that women are often caregivers at times with no rest and culturally pushed to be “strong woman” leaves little space for vulnerability and can to quiet breakdowns. Indeed, studies have shown that women are more likely to be depressed than men because of hormonal fluctuations and other factors such as economic vulnerability, societal pressure and reproductive life changes like after child birth and during menopause. Women are also at a greater risk of being sexually or physically violated and are also more likely to ruminate and to seek emotional harmony with greater perfectionism in balancing work and domestic duties

On the other end men may also mask up depression resulting into higher rates of depression related suicides and more alcohol and other substance use. Indeed, in Africa men are more likely to experience stigma when they open up about their mental health problems making it harder for them to access to mental health care

The youth are also not left behind because WHO reports that suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-29-year olds. Economic stress, social media and cyber bullying are unique challenges being faced by the youth in Kenya. Africa therefore needs to rise and protect the majority of its population who are youth and shape the future.

We all therefore need to know that depression is a treatable mental health problem and not a form of weakness. Communicating connecting and caring can break the silence and lead to more people of all ages and gender accessing the mental health care they need. The internet is also an asset that can and has been used to find the necessary screening tools, access online therapy and consultation but of course not a substitute to in person care especially for severe depression. Our mental health therefore starts with each one of us taking their responsibility in their capacity to improve the nations mental health.

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