Many Kenyans are in a difficult situation because of the current political and economic conditions. The recently introduced statutory deductions will thin out wages, leaving many Kenyans with little opportunity to do anything.
To help a few people navigate this difficult circumstance, I want to concentrate more on the software side of these consequences. There are far too many indicators of depression in the world, and this is worrying. Amid all the stress and uncertainty, we are losing ourselves.
Normally balanced people trip at the slightest provocation without any obvious sources of irritation. Depression is a complex and pervasive mental health disorder that affects a substantial portion of the global population.
It is characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness and loss of interest in previously normal day activities that are otherwise routines that people enjoy doing on a day-to-day basis.
Depression significantly disrupts an individual's life, relationships, workplace activities and overall well-being. Its prevalence, causes, consequences, and treatment options highlight the need for increased awareness, support and comprehensive approaches to address this pressing public health issue.
Depression is pervasive and crosses all socioeconomic, cultural, and geographic borders. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 264 million people worldwide, of all ages, experience depression. This astounding figure reflects a growth of more than 18 per cent from 2005 to 2020.
Depression is more common in some nations than others due to things like economic inequality, accessibility to mental healthcare and societal stigma.
Beyond personal pain, depression has a significant impact on many facets of life. Daily activities are disrupted, focus and decision-making are hampered, and energy is depleted, making even simple chores seem difficult. Let me break down the conversation into the routine things taking place around us so I don't seem too academic.
Most Kenyans who are employed walk along the one-third red line, where financial responsibilities are at their optimal and there is no room for any further expenses. The upcoming new deductions have made this situation worse.
Depression is one of the main causes of disability at work, which affects output, absenteeism and healthcare expenditures. Depression has a heavy economic cost on both people and society.
On a personal level, most people avoid taking on extra jobs, especially those they believe to be under their level of self-accreditation. Cash, on the other hand, is constant in value regardless of where it comes from and has no calibration.
We need to be flexible and accommodate new situations to gel in with the ever-changing environment. We must deliberately choose to protect ourselves from the triggers that lead to this destruction to preserve our sanity and prevent our bodies from disintegrating.
A multifaceted strategy that incorporates medical, psychological and social therapies is needed to effectively treat depression. Frequently, symptom management involves a mix of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications.
For instance, cognitive behavioural therapy enables people to recognise and change unfavourable thought habits, whereas medication can assist restore neurochemical equilibrium.
Maintaining a strong social support network is also recommended. The network should be supportive of your goals and add value to your daily life by offering wise counsel or other forms of assistance.
Community initiatives and peer support groups are crucial in decreasing the isolation that frequently accompanies depression. Fighting the stigma attached to seeking help for mental health concerns requires open dialogue and mental health awareness programmes.
On a similar point, don't find it difficult to let go of relationships that are burdensome and preventing you from achieving your goals.
Despite available treatments, there are still several obstacles that prevent people from getting help. The stigma and discrimination connected to mental illness might prevent people from seeking help. The issue is made worse by the lack of access to mental health services, particularly in impoverished regions.
Furthermore, delaying early action may be due to a lack of knowledge regarding depression and available treatments. I implore everyone to emphasise mental health awareness in schools, businesses and communities while building settings that foster resiliency and emotional well-being.
This includes offering employee help programmes, incorporating mental health education into the curriculum and giving parents tools to support the mental health of their children. While we're at it, let's stop inviting unbalanced motivational speakers who come to speak to our employees or students from just one perspective, ie, material prosperity.
Millions of people around the world suffer from depression, which is a serious and widespread problem. It has complicated causes, serious implications and a range of therapeutic options.
The issues presented by depression must be addressed via actions such as increasing awareness, lowering stigma, enhancing access to mental health services and integrating mental health into various facets of society.
To create a happier and more compassionate society, nation and globe, we must all work together to comprehend, support, and treat people who are depressed.
Career educationist, researcher, digital content and curriculum developer
