The youth today are going through an epidemic that is sweeping them away. Mental health has become a whole situation going by the statistics. The youth are our future and we cannot afford to assume them anymore.
On the 9th of October 2021, we joined Egerton University Medical students for the awareness day under the theme “MENTAL HEALTH IN AN UNEQUAL WORLD”. The statistics indicate that depression on our youth is on the rise as well as the number of youth being admitted with suicidal thoughts is high.We are stuck with situations that we need to address as a nation and even at individual levels.
The theories surrounding mental health are varied.Peer pressure being the majorly discussed one.There is the need to fit in whatever environment the youth are in.If for example my peers are going out to drink alcohol,there is a high possibility that I will follow them.
Another contributing factor is social media.With the new technology,there’s exposure to different things and the competition to be better than the other person.Not forgetting the time spent on their phones.Social skills are affected as there is no need to talk face-face even if we are in the same room. Social media is also known for trolls who drag you or your life to the ground.This has caused depression and even deaths.
In order to fight mental health, we need to identify some of the issues to look out for in our young people.
As individuals at all levels we need to talk about our issues with people we trust.Talking is one of the leading ways to solve our problems,as a problem shared is half solved.We must also learn to be friends that can be trusted and intentional so that whenever there is a problem we can pinpoint it and solve it before it gets out of hands.
Living off of social media is also another way to curb depression.The time spent on social media can be limited or monitored so that you are not on the media the whole time.It is so easy to base your life on comparison as opposed to hardwork especially when you see others thriving and you are not.
Self care is also vital in the fight against mental health.It is hard to give others what you do nor have.It is also challenging to have a health mindset all the time without feeling tired.One of the best ways to take care of yourself is watch out for your emotional,physical and mental space.
Exercise
Working out in small little ways everyday will help you maintain a good healthy system.You can take walks in the park,run or even go the gym atleast 30 minutes daily.With exercise one is able to concentrate,sleep well,feel well and still have a good self esteem.
Acceptance
Most of us struggle with acceptance throughout our lives.Each one of us is made unique with unique elements.There is no need to copy or fit in places and or situations that make us uncomfortable.Feeling good about yourself boosts your ego and no amount of swaying will allow you to blindly follow others,thus allowing for realistic expectations.
Health and support
Generally in Africa,mental health is still a wide ancient area.In fact in some cultures mental health is still considered witchcraft,or bewitching.As a consequence, the gap the need for treatment is still low,as most young people do not feel safe to speak up. In low- and middle-income countries, between 76% and 85% of people with mental disorders receive no treatment for their disorder.
Another issue is that there are few places with treatment placements that work.Poor quality of care is offered .
Anyway, people with mental illness require our support and care. Many people who live with a mental health problem or are developing one try to keep their feelings hidden because they are afraid of other people’s reactions. Let us show up for our friends and family so that no one is ever feeling alone.
Besides that there are therapists and clinics one can reach out to for help.
