Mental health concerns continue to be on the rise. Incidences
of suicide make the news headlines every other day. While depression is a
global health concern, in Kenya alone, 1.9 million people are affected by
mental illnesses. In the last decade, Kenya
has seen a rise of suicide cases at an alarming rate of 85 per cent. Data has
also shown that more men than women are likely to die through suicide.
The covid-19 pandemic hasn’t made things better. Loss of
income, social interruptions, education interruptions and many other changes in
our daily lives have increased stress, tension and led to depression. With many
people not sure of how to tell that they are depressed, they, in the long run
get overwhelmed and self-destruct.
Common statements such as “Act like a man”, “Be strong like a man”, “A man shouldn’t cry”
continue to plunge men into depression, mental illnesses and suicide. The society
sees a man as a strong, extraordinary creature that cannot fall to his knees.
There have been more awareness campaigns, both virtual and
physical, calling for people to be aware of their mental health, how and where
to seek psychosocial support. The messages have included, but not limited to;
speaking out, sharing any challenges with others, taking enough time to rest or
sleep, avoiding alcohol and drug use, balancing workloads and constantly
evaluating mental health.
Both men and women can shun the gender stereotypes in order
to effectively address depression which could lead to suicidal thoughts. In the
long run, it is about you and your well-being. Sometimes we may not know where
to start, not even in recognizing that we are struggling, hurting, depressed
and need help. Here are a few behaviors to note that could mean you are going
through depression;
- Feeling sad and hopeless
- Always feeling extremely tired and low of energy
- Feeling worthless and excessively guilty
- Frequent Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Recurrent thoughts of death and suicide plan
- Impaired ability to think or concentrate
- Problems with alcohol and drug use
- Violent or abusive behavior
- The usual fun activities are no longer enjoyable
- Spending a lot of time than usual on an activity, e.g. Sports or work
- Headaches, digestive problems
DO NOT ignore any of the above signs. Seek for support
because it is okay not to be okay.
Messages of
positivity and hope
Over the last few months, I have taken note of some of the best
messages by friends and family, who are keen on mental health awareness. These
messages instill optimism and positivity in people who are going through hard
times and sometimes feel like quitting. Take a look, they may be just what you
need.
- Delegate some work, you don’t have to do everything
- Be intentional with creating your personal time away from work to rest
- If it won’t matter tomorrow, don’t worry about it now
- Burdens can bring us down. We got to know the much we can carry and not exceed that threshold.
- Prioritize and work on only what you can
- It’s going to be fine. Be good and patient with yourself
- Don’t beat yourself for your failures, use them as learnings and re-plan for a bigger bounce-back
- Don’t give up just yet!
- Falling doesn’t mean failing. There’s always another chance to try, find it.
As we continue to be conscious of our mental health, let us
also be conscious about the mental health of other people around us. When
someone opens up to you about their inner struggles, be willing to listen
without prejudice. That’s the least you can do!
Feel free to leave a comment or share coping tips in the
comment section below.
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