Is Depression The Next Pandemia?

We have heard of cases of infectious diseases being epidemic while others escalating to be pandemic, including the recent one that disoriented the normal system of world’s operation. Corona virus.

Well, unlike any other mental disease disorders, depression is the most leading with an estimate of 300 million people. In a society like kenya where people believe certain diseases are for the profuse while others are for those living in substandard, it becomes tedious to have them understand certain aspects on health.

Depression being one of them that’s not taken serious among the impoverished due to the hypothesis of it being a mental disorder.

We live in the twenty first century, an era where anxiety and expectations is the anthem while technology is gradually evolving and a lot is needed to keep up with the pace. This includes moving with the trends, therefore I don’t blame anyone.

They say change is inevitable while others say if you don’t change, change is going to change you.

In the recent past there have been cases on the effects of depression when its neglected. One of them being suicide which has popularized its controversy in radio and TV. It seems like a trend that is almost being normalized but the truth of the matter is for one to take the suicidal step they must have fought for their own peace.

You mention anything relating to mental illness and the response is talk to someone. It seems easy to anyone who isn’t affected. It’s a good suggestion but who is willing to take his/her time listen to someone else’s problems. And if so who is loyal enough to keep it to themselves. Making that decision of being vulnerable and sharing certain truths about oneself takes a lot of courage that needs to be respected.

Some might be saying, we live in the new era where we have specialists. The psychologist, therapist, counselor. These are people specialized in dealing with the thoughts and mind of a human being. Their main job is, they are paid to sit and listen and help one come up with better solutions.

This could be the best idea but the sessions are quite expensive and not everyone can afford them. I’m not tring to be bias but I thought the sessions were for providing help but the truth of the matter is that it’s more about the money.

Recently we lost one of our own, Alex Nderi popularly know as DJ lithium who worked at Capital FM. Just before he took his life he wrote a note that clarified why he opted for suicide. He couldn’t spend any more of his 6,500 shillings for every session.

Communication being key in these times, it’s not seriously taken more so within the family members. People want to find peace and comfort when they are around their family members but in most cases it seems they are the reason some are finding it difficult to keep up while others find it hard to share their emotions.

Three years ago The Standard Media reported a story of a 29 year old Gerald Mwangi who committed suicide after foretelling his death on Facebook leaving his grieving mother persuading other mothers to emphasize on communication.

In the recent past there have been issues in the National Police Service (NPS) where police officers have been taking their lives. According to a recent survey, it shows about 12 and 13 percent of police officers have mental issues.

Depression has become so rampant and alarming. If at all the government and other stakeholders could chip in and curb the trend. Or better still, mobilize psychologists, therapists and counsellors so as to come up with a framework that can help reduce the cases.

As it looks, going for a session with a counselor is quite expensive and a big chip for many. Depression has deepened its roots, it’s about time we took action and save lives.