"You see, depression doesn't look like, people crying in daylight or people walking with sulked shoulders". Let's talk about mental health

Did you know? In Kenya, it is estimated that one in every 10 people suffer from a common mental disorder. Depression and anxiety disorders are the leading mental illness diagnosed in Kenya followed by substance use disorders.

What is Mental Health?

Mental health is defined as “a state of well-being whereby individuals recognize and realize their abilities, are able to cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully and make a contribution to their communities(WHO:2003)

Positive mental health includes emotion, cognition and social functioning and coherence.

What are the leading causes of mental disorder?

●      Social and economic factors such as poverty due to unemployment, low literacy levels and homelessness.

●      Demographic factors such as gender and age.

Why is it important to talk about Mental Health?

For far too long, people with mental disorders have been excluded from development activities.

• Although mental health conditions are very common, people often have limited information about mental health or mental health conditions.

• Many commonly-held myths about mental health are not true, and this leads to stigma and discrimination towards people with mental health conditions.

 • Stigma and discrimination can make it hard for people to seek help when they need it

 • More mental health awareness in a community makes it more likely that people who need support for their mental health will receive it early.

Myths about mental health conditions

Χ     People with mental health conditions are violent or have no self-control.

Χ     Having a mental health condition is somehow the person’s fault.

Χ     People with mental health conditions are difficult or incapable of making decisions.

Χ     Mental health conditions are untreatable.

Χ     Mental health conditions are caused by supernatural powers or a curse.

Χ     You should not talk to a person with depression because it will make you depressed.

Χ     You should not ask a person if they are suicidal as this may trigger self-harm

Gender and Mental Health

Research shows that socially constructed differences between men and women in roles and responsibilities, status and power, biological differences between the sexes contribute in the nature of mental health problems suffered.  Women may face greater disability than men because of the higher prevalence to mental disorders.

Let’s see what one youth has to say about mental health.

Tell us your name.

My name is sherry.

Who is Sherry?

 Let's say sherry is a strong, bold, vibrant, hardworking and determined soul.

She lives in the present, have many battles from the past but she fights to stay pushing on.

As a youth, what is your opinion about mental health?

I'd write a poem for that:

Sitted at the corner of the dark room,

Her feet were cold, hands trembling ,

Never in her life has she ever poured so many tears,

Never in her life has she ever felt so much pain,

Holding a razor in one hand, so bitter that she cuts the other hands' wrist,

The sight of her own blood brings some relief to her agonized heart,

You'd say maybe, she's in a cult

But no, that's the only way she can unleash the bitterness and anger that's hidden deep inside her , that's the way she can cry silently , that's the only way to fight on with this life.

She sleeps on the cold floor, she barely eats since they said she's fat, she wanna reach the community's beauty standards.

She wake up, her baggy clothes on, ready to start fake smiling thorough out the day.

Her mama says she's great and that she's a fighter,

These words run deep in her soul since she's a warrior, everyday, every night ,at that corner ,blood on wrists ,the way she eats them. Force herself to throw up those sausages mama cooked in the morning.

She's a warrior and those marks you thought were cat scratches are her battle marks.

 

What do I mean in this poem? Depression any mental illness, doesn't have to have a cause .sometimes it's the low self-esteem, people bullying others, huge expectations from people. Sometimes you just feel bad, tired and have breakdowns.

I'd say people ought to be careful with how they handle others. Be kind, always. Make a person smile always. People who suffer from these conditions are not being "dramatic" as y'all think. People who cut their wrists aren't "attention seekers" as u all say .They suffer, they cry, they self-sabotage, they sometimes think of suicide. Hold them a lil bit longer when you hug them. Always be there for them, let them feel your presence and know that they aren't alone .If they have panic attacks, help them, if they are comfortable you can always take them to therapy.

You see, depression doesn't look like, people crying in daylight or people walking with sulked shoulders.

Most of the times it looks like, that friend of yours who is overly joyed most times, that friend who disappears from social media from time to time, the one who loves sleeping especially during the day in a dark room .it looks like that one person who always says "I'm okay" even when you know they aren’t . That isolated lady in your class who likes to stay alone and doesn't talk really. That one with marks on her hand or on his thighs of burns or scars, that one check on them .Be gentle in your approaches, be kind and loving. Always give a shoulder to lean on.

I know i was supposed to say wat is my view about mental health but that's my view , that's my experience , that's is just what I know and have experienced.

 

What can people do to get through it?

First, identify the problem or situations that cause the depression.

Avoid such situations.

Do the things you like doing e.g. your hobbies.

Take long walks, listening to music (not sad music)

Workout, eat healthy, do yoga and drink a lot of water.

Acknowledge your small wins and successes.

Have a notebook where you can pen down your emotions (writing helps me relief my mind)

Get your own affirmations. Mine are , I'm strong , I'm bold , I'm determined , I'm successful, I'm happy and I'll pass through this despite the odds.

Love yourself and all of your flaws. Accept you are not perfect and love you regardless.

Listen to motivating videos, songs, scriptures and practice them according to your liking.

Appreciate yourself, family and people who love you, and often take breaks from work, studies and life in general to recharge and spend time with yourself and them.

All these are easier said than done but don't give up. Take baby steps, step by step and you will be okay. You can also go to a professional counselor since depression can re occur.

To everyone passing through this, we are strong we will conquer, just look at that smile of yours , it's so beautiful ,so let the world see it .

You are strong, you are bold and you will get through this

If you need to ask questions or comment about this interview, you can dm me

Instagram@ sherry_henry9

Email @ henrysherry13@gmail.com

Youtube channel @ VINCE G https://youtube.com/channel/UC-fudF5q42KsDnDtlxBkvbA

There are so many cases out there. What have you done to help? Never be afraid to reach out. Be ready to listen without judging and save lives.