How to tackle Kenya's mental health crisis among the youth

Recent reports indicate a significant rise in mental health disorders among Kenyans youth. Conditions such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse are becoming increasingly prevalent, with some individual as young as 12 seeking professional help. Dr. Esther Wanjiru, a clinical psychologist in Nairobi,  emphasizes, “The situation is dire, and its only getting worse. We are seeing an alarming rise in the 

number of young people seeking help for mental health related problems.”

Several factors contribute to this crisis:

1)Stigma: mental health remains a taboo topic in many Kenyan communities. There is a belief that these 

issues are a sign of weakness or lack of willpower, rather than legitimate medical conditions. This stigma 

discourages young people from seeking the help they need.

2)Limited resources: despite the growing need, mental health services are underfounded. A mere 1% of the national health budget is allocated to mental health, leading to a shortage of trained professionals 

and inadequate facilities.

The consequences of this neglect are profound. Suicide rates among Kenyan youth have increased by 20% over the past five years. Additionally, there’s surge in cases of depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders. These conditions not only affect the individuals but also have ripple affects on families and communities.

Addressing this silent epidemic requires a multifaceted approaches namely. This includes destigmatization. Community leaders, educators and media outlets must work together to change perceptions about mental health. Open dialogues can help normalize seeking help.