It is high time we speak about depression in public for us Kenyans to be able to overcome this threat. Depression is not only consuming people’s lives through suicide, murder, but also destroys an individual normal life.
I am going to discuss depression in details including the cause, how to identify you are depressed, some stories of depression, when to find help, and who to ask for help.
Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for Counsellor’s advice. Consult a professional Counsellor before making any decisions.
Depression In Kenya
A World Health Organization report earlier this year rated Kenya sixth among African countries with the highest incidence of depression cases. The rising numbers of depression cases is dire and urgent measures need to be taken since the society is now feeling the negative side effects of this menace.
What is depression? Depression meaning is the persistent sense of sadness and loss of interest that prevents you from engaging in typical activities.
Causes Of Depression
Depression is caused by a variety of factors. It can happen for a variety of causes and can be triggered by a range of factors. Some of the triggers of depression include but not limited to a stressful life event such as
- Bereavement
- Divorce
- Illness
- Stressful work environment
- Postpartum depression
- Job loss
- Rape
- Physical abuse
- Lack of progress in life
- Money concerns such as being conned, robbed etc.
10 Signs Of Depression In Women And Men
Many Kenyans have been depressed at one time or another, or perhaps you know someone who has even been in an extremely stressful situations. Yes. Challenges are there that can lead to depression but that is not the end of life.
Depression can be managed and treated when the assistant is sought early. When you experience any of the following clinical depression symptoms, know that you are undergoing depression and you need help.
1 Helplessness and a Sense of Hopelessness.
A pessimistic outlook like nothing will ever get better, and there is nothing you can do to change things.2
2 Loss of Interest in Day-to-Day Tasks.
Former hobbies, diversions, social activities, and sex are no longer important to you. You’ve lost your ability to experience pleasure and delight.
3 Easy Irritability or Angered.
Feeling restless, irritated, or even violent. You have a low tolerance level, a quick temper, and everything and everyone grates on your nerves.
4 Self-loathing.
Feelings of worthlessness. You feel useless and lack a meaning to continue living. You start think of committing suicide or harming others.
5 Changes in Appetite or Weight.
A change of more than 5% of body weight in a month is considered significant weight loss or increase.
6 Sleep Patterns Shift.
Oversleeping or sleeplessness, particularly waking in the early hours of the morning.
7 Energy Depletion.
I’m tired, sluggish, and physically exhausted. It’s possible that your entire body feels heavy, and even simple tasks become exhausting or take longer to perform.
8 Unpredictable Behavior.
You indulge in escapist activities such as substance misuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports as a means of escaping reality.
9 Problems with Concentration.
Focusing, making decisions, and remembering things are all difficult for you.
10 Aches and Pains that Don’t Seem to Be Going Away.
Physical symptoms such as headaches, back discomfort, hurting muscles, and stomach pain have increased.
Overcoming Depression
The following as some measures you can embrace on how to overcome depression:
a Accepting That You need Help
As soon you notice that you are experiencing the above signs and symptoms of depression, you need help. Seek for assistance as soon as possible to be able to overcome or manage your struggles.
b Seek For Talk Therapy
The next step is to speak out. You have to talk to someone you trust. It can be your neighbor, pastor, friend, cousin, relative, church leaders such as pastors or even in social media. Sometimes, depending with your relationship with people you may think no one can help you out.
It is ok to feel so. Besides, you may not want people to know that you are undergoing depression. It is ok. However, you can seek help with your identity hidden. For instance, you can speak to people through social media platforms such as Facebook and get assistance. Some even meet a psychiatrist or a psychologist professional for assistance for free. You have to talk.
c. Seek Professional Help
Taking alone would not help especially when you are undergoing severe phase of depression. This is when a psychiatrist comes in. You can obtain medications to help ease your problems in addition to getting a talk therapy.
d. Pulling Yourself
Once you have engaged professionals, you will also get ideas of the next move. For instance, if you had lost all monies perhaps leaving with your parents, friends, or relative temporarily can assist as you regain normalcy. You have to take the initiative to overcome the depression yourself.
Free Counselling Online Services In Kenya
The need to talk about your emotions is seen as something to poke fun at, weak or shameful. That stigma is often why people don’t seek help in the first place. However, for many, counselling provides a safe and trusting environment, aiding in understanding and resolving problems. Some are free others you pay a small fee.
If you are in a situation where you feel like you cannot turn to a loved one, consider a counselor, a non-judgmental resource. Here are some accessible counselling centers in the Nairobi area.
There are so many places to seek free counseling in Kenya. Social media is a great was to speak out your troubles. However, you need guidance by professionals. Free counselling sessions are mostly carried by churches.
Example is the
1. CITAM Church
Most CITAM church branches offer free counselling. Contact the church for more guidance on the same.
CITAM Church Valley Road contacts : 0784 277277 or whatsapp +254 728 221221
2. Africa Mental Health Foundation
Located: Mawensi Gardens, off Matumbato Road, Upper Hill
Tel: 020 2651360
3. The Raphaelites
Located: Red Hill-Limuru near St. Paul’s University 5km off Limuru Road
Tel: +254 722 714 300
Email: info@theraphaelites.com
4. Amani Counseling Centre and Training Institute
Located: Mwalimu National Sacco Building, 8th Floor, Along Tom Mboya Street, Opposite Ambassadeur Hotel
Tel: 0718 225 627
Email: cbd@amanicentre.org
5. Masaa Home
Located: Argwings Kodhek Road, Hurlingham, Nairobi Women’s Hospital
Tel: 020 2724192
Email: info@masaa.org
6. SCAD Kenya
Tel: 0722 971672
Email: info@scad.or.ke
7. The Retreat Rehab Center
Located: Off. Limuru Road after Ndenderu Shopping Center and Stage 46, Off Forest Line Road, 2nd Oloolua Close, Hse. No. B9, Ngong
Tel: +254 0715 003150 / 0732 740938 / 020 8081739
8. The Mater Misericordiae Hospital
Located: Along Dunga Road, South B, Nairobi
Tel: +254 20 690 3000 / 0719 073000 / 0732 163000
FB: Mater Misericordiae Hospital
Twitter: @materkenya
9. Tumaini Counseling Centre
Located: 6 Silanga Road, off Langata Road, Karen, Nairobi
Tel: 254 733 687050
Email: clinicalesst.ac@aimint.org
10 Precision Counseling & Rehabilitation Home
Located: Off Thika superhighway, Exit 10. Between Kahawa Barracks and Kenyatta University. Kahawa Sukari Estate, Nyahururu Road, 3rd North Avenue
Tel:0780 378314
Email:info@precisioncounseling.org
Wrap Up
You are now familiar with signs and symptoms of depression. It is you and me to work together to help each other overcome depression. Whether it is you undergoing depression or someone else, seek assistance as soon as possible.