“Why Depression is Prevelant Among Youth”
According to the Health Report (Osborn et al., 2020), in Kenya, the social correlates among Kenyan youth have shown high levels of depressive symptoms (46%) and anxiety symptoms (38%) among older adolescents. Females showed more anxiety than males.
Emotional disorders are more prevalent among adolescents. Anxiety disorders, which may involve panic or excessive worry, are the most prevalent in this age group and are common among older and younger adolescents. It is estimated that 3.6% of 10-14-year-olds and 4.6% of 15-year-olds experience anxiety disorder.
In the university, the numbers are higher, with moderate depressive symptoms being 35.7% (33.5% males and 39.0% females) and depression being 5.6% (5.3% males and 5.1% females).
Some of the symptoms of depression in young people include:
Feeling grumpy.
Sleeping difficulties
Feeling worthless
Feeling guilty
Eating more or less
Gaining or losing weight
Being under stress at all times
At least ten (10) people in Kenya suffer from a common mental disorder most affected by mental health issues (18–35). Some of the causes of depression among people include:
1. Stressful events.
Events such as the deaths of loved ones can cause trauma and eventually lead to depression. Breakups and gender-based violence are even worse because of the way people trust and invest their emotions. The moment they get betrayed, there are high chance of them sinking into depression.
2. Personality.
People with low self-esteem are at high risk of suffering from depression because they feel lonely and unloved. Social withdrawal can exacerbate isolation and loneliness.
3. Family history and the feeling of being unwanted:
When it comes to family, some people have a traumatizing family history. The sense of being unvalued among family members can drive one to depression.
4. Alcohol and drugs.
Drinking alcohol can lead to a spiral of depression. It affects the chemistry of the brain, which increases the risk of depression. Many people tend to hide their sorrows by drinking alcohol. This goes on to create the false impression that you can only survive under the influence of alcohol.
5. Illness.
A long-standing illness tends to create depression among youths because they think that they are useless and a burden to their family members.
6. Loneliness.
When people are in solitude for so long, they tend to sink into depression. The withdrawal from the connections of friends and relatives tends to cause emotional damage. As a person, it is healthy to connect and talk to friends. Share the events together; it relieves you from pain.
7. Pregnancy and giving birth.
The thought of a new responsibility without solid support is one experience that can drive one insane. Antenatal depression is experienced when one doesn’t expect to have a child or, rather, is not prepared. This causes one to even think of abortion or committing suicide because of how he will manage the period. Postnatal depression is the thought of responsibility and financial constraints the person is going to face. Most people have sunk into depression because of this.
Here are some of the healthy practices to help youth avoid depression:
1. Getting regular exercise.
Exercise helps to relieve your body of stress and refreshes your brain. So morning runs and gym exercises or even home exercises help you to free yourself from the chances of depression.
2. Getting quality moderate sleep.
An adult should sleep between 6-8 hours. Little sleep can affect the proper functioning of your brain causing some disorders or health problems.
3. Eating a healthy diet.
One way of controlling depression is by eating a healthy diet. I know sometimes the economy may not favour you but its advisable you consume more fruits and vegetables. Strive for a healthy diet.
4. Avoiding alcohol.
Most people whenever they have conflicts or problems, they always think of alcohol as a solution. Alcohol is a depressant and most of the time it creates a false impression that your problems have been solved. Alcohol cannot solve the problem but talking to someone can do.
5. Spending time with people you care about.
I have always advocated for communication and opening up on issues. This is the best way of solving the issue of depression. Getting someone who values secrecy and is very true can help. If you can afford a doctor the better or if you have a friend or relative, it will help solve the problem quickly. Never allow yourself to be in solitude especially when you have problems. Spend time with friends and relatives you care about, this will help boost your morale and self-esteem.
In conclusion
It’s very healthy to keep your social circle active. Talk to your friends about the problems or to the doctor if you can afford it. Opening up about your problems helps reduce the level of anxiety. Always talk to someone whenever you feel like you are low. Let’s encourage a society where people can open up about their problems.
Lucas Marshal lives in Kenya. He pursued his degree in Political Science and Administration from Moi University. His passion is helping solve sociatal problems in Kenya through writing about possible solutions, especially to the younger generation.
0 Comments