Opinion:The stem depression tide

A report titled 'Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders, Global Health Estimates' by the World Health Organisation (WHO) states that by the end of 2016, at least 1.9 million Kenyans were suffering from depression.PHOTO:COURTESY

Depression and stress levels have peaked among Kenyans lately.

A report titled 'Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders, Global Health Estimates' by the World Health Organisation (WHO) states that by the end of 2016, at least 1.9 million Kenyans were suffering from depression.

This represents an increase of 18 per cent in 11 years from 2005. The common manifestations have been increased cases of homicide, domestic violence, suicide and other anti-social behaviour. Cases of uniformed officers turning their guns on colleagues have also been on the rise.

Causes for this vary. Among the youth especially, pressures associated with unemployment, failure to pass exams in line with high expectations and the use of narcotics are to blame. Depression is a major killer of youths in the 15 to 29 years age bracket.

Among adults, poverty, marital issues and lack of adequate finances to meet daily needs are taking their toll.

There is need for players to reverse this trend as depression, according to WHO, is a leading cause of disability and contributes immensely to the burden of diseases.