Depression is a common mental disorder, characterized by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, feelings of tiredness, and poor concentration. (WHO)
Today,
Kenya will join more than 100 other countries of the world to celebrate
the World Mental Health Day – a globally observed day meant to raise
public awareness about mental health.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is Depression: A global crisis. According to WHO statistics for 2002, there are 154 million people globally who suffer from depression, itself a form of mental illness. By 2030, depression alone is likely to be the second highest cause of disease, second only to HIV/AIDS.
Mental disorders affect men and women almost equally. However, almost all studies show a higher prevalence of depression among women than men, with a ratio of between 1.5:1 and 2:1. (Baseline study on the situation and governance of mental health and development services in Kenya).
A research by the Africa Mental Health Foundation: Suicidality and Depression among adult patients admitted in general medical facilities in Kenya led by Professor of Psychiatry David M Ndetei found that on average 1 out of 10 patients had suicidal symptoms more so in younger (14.5%) than the older people (8.0%) and in the more depressed.
The sample total was 2780 patients in 10 general medical facilities in Kenya who were interviewed for suicidal symptoms and depression.
These symptoms had not been clinically recognized and therefore not managed and that is why the study called for clinical practice that routinely enquires for suicidal symptoms in general medical wards. Little attention has been paid to suicide reports as suicide is still considered a taboo subject in our society.
However, from the study, it is evident that appropriate practices and policies are needed to increase awareness of, and screen for depression and suicide symptoms routinely in clinical practice and to look for innovative interventions considering the limited resources available in the public health care system.
To start with, there is an urgent need to get adequate data of the actual prevalence of mental and neurological disorders. Without this data, it is not possible to convince policy makers to make arrangements for provision of services.
Some context specific studies suggest that between 25-30% of all people who attend out-patient facilities have a psychological condition co-existing with a physical condition. A review of the current Mental Health Act is being done on the basis of such statistics.
Research also shows that apart from untreated psychiatric illness, the stigma associated with mental illness can adversely affect help-seeking behaviour and mental health in general. That the stigma attached to the label of ‘mental illness’ can have a lasting impact on the person labelled.
As Kenya joins the world in marking the world mental health day; there is need to give credit to organizations such as the Africa Mental Health Foundation who have been a leader in carrying out research in the Kenyan setting that has and continues to greatly inform policy.
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-89035/depression-crisis-kenya#sthash.0eYwXRxX.dpuf
The theme for this year’s celebrations is Depression: A global crisis. According to WHO statistics for 2002, there are 154 million people globally who suffer from depression, itself a form of mental illness. By 2030, depression alone is likely to be the second highest cause of disease, second only to HIV/AIDS.
Mental disorders affect men and women almost equally. However, almost all studies show a higher prevalence of depression among women than men, with a ratio of between 1.5:1 and 2:1. (Baseline study on the situation and governance of mental health and development services in Kenya).
A research by the Africa Mental Health Foundation: Suicidality and Depression among adult patients admitted in general medical facilities in Kenya led by Professor of Psychiatry David M Ndetei found that on average 1 out of 10 patients had suicidal symptoms more so in younger (14.5%) than the older people (8.0%) and in the more depressed.
The sample total was 2780 patients in 10 general medical facilities in Kenya who were interviewed for suicidal symptoms and depression.
These symptoms had not been clinically recognized and therefore not managed and that is why the study called for clinical practice that routinely enquires for suicidal symptoms in general medical wards. Little attention has been paid to suicide reports as suicide is still considered a taboo subject in our society.
However, from the study, it is evident that appropriate practices and policies are needed to increase awareness of, and screen for depression and suicide symptoms routinely in clinical practice and to look for innovative interventions considering the limited resources available in the public health care system.
To start with, there is an urgent need to get adequate data of the actual prevalence of mental and neurological disorders. Without this data, it is not possible to convince policy makers to make arrangements for provision of services.
Some context specific studies suggest that between 25-30% of all people who attend out-patient facilities have a psychological condition co-existing with a physical condition. A review of the current Mental Health Act is being done on the basis of such statistics.
Research also shows that apart from untreated psychiatric illness, the stigma associated with mental illness can adversely affect help-seeking behaviour and mental health in general. That the stigma attached to the label of ‘mental illness’ can have a lasting impact on the person labelled.
As Kenya joins the world in marking the world mental health day; there is need to give credit to organizations such as the Africa Mental Health Foundation who have been a leader in carrying out research in the Kenyan setting that has and continues to greatly inform policy.
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-89035/depression-crisis-kenya#sthash.0eYwXRxX.dpuf
Today,
Kenya will join more than 100 other countries of the world to celebrate
the World Mental Health Day – a globally observed day meant to raise
public awareness about mental health.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is Depression: A global crisis. According to WHO statistics for 2002, there are 154 million people globally who suffer from depression, itself a form of mental illness. By 2030, depression alone is likely to be the second highest cause of disease, second only to HIV/AIDS.
Mental disorders affect men and women almost equally. However, almost all studies show a higher prevalence of depression among women than men, with a ratio of between 1.5:1 and 2:1. (Baseline study on the situation and governance of mental health and development services in Kenya).
A research by the Africa Mental Health Foundation: Suicidality and Depression among adult patients admitted in general medical facilities in Kenya led by Professor of Psychiatry David M Ndetei found that on average 1 out of 10 patients had suicidal symptoms more so in younger (14.5%) than the older people (8.0%) and in the more depressed.
The sample total was 2780 patients in 10 general medical facilities in Kenya who were interviewed for suicidal symptoms and depression.
These symptoms had not been clinically recognized and therefore not managed and that is why the study called for clinical practice that routinely enquires for suicidal symptoms in general medical wards. Little attention has been paid to suicide reports as suicide is still considered a taboo subject in our society.
However, from the study, it is evident that appropriate practices and policies are needed to increase awareness of, and screen for depression and suicide symptoms routinely in clinical practice and to look for innovative interventions considering the limited resources available in the public health care system.
To start with, there is an urgent need to get adequate data of the actual prevalence of mental and neurological disorders. Without this data, it is not possible to convince policy makers to make arrangements for provision of services.
Some context specific studies suggest that between 25-30% of all people who attend out-patient facilities have a psychological condition co-existing with a physical condition. A review of the current Mental Health Act is being done on the basis of such statistics.
Research also shows that apart from untreated psychiatric illness, the stigma associated with mental illness can adversely affect help-seeking behaviour and mental health in general. That the stigma attached to the label of ‘mental illness’ can have a lasting impact on the person labelled.
As Kenya joins the world in marking the world mental health day; there is need to give credit to organizations such as the Africa Mental Health Foundation who have been a leader in carrying out research in the Kenyan setting that has and continues to greatly inform policy.
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-89035/depression-crisis-kenya#sthash.0eYwXRxX.dpuf
The theme for this year’s celebrations is Depression: A global crisis. According to WHO statistics for 2002, there are 154 million people globally who suffer from depression, itself a form of mental illness. By 2030, depression alone is likely to be the second highest cause of disease, second only to HIV/AIDS.
Mental disorders affect men and women almost equally. However, almost all studies show a higher prevalence of depression among women than men, with a ratio of between 1.5:1 and 2:1. (Baseline study on the situation and governance of mental health and development services in Kenya).
A research by the Africa Mental Health Foundation: Suicidality and Depression among adult patients admitted in general medical facilities in Kenya led by Professor of Psychiatry David M Ndetei found that on average 1 out of 10 patients had suicidal symptoms more so in younger (14.5%) than the older people (8.0%) and in the more depressed.
The sample total was 2780 patients in 10 general medical facilities in Kenya who were interviewed for suicidal symptoms and depression.
These symptoms had not been clinically recognized and therefore not managed and that is why the study called for clinical practice that routinely enquires for suicidal symptoms in general medical wards. Little attention has been paid to suicide reports as suicide is still considered a taboo subject in our society.
However, from the study, it is evident that appropriate practices and policies are needed to increase awareness of, and screen for depression and suicide symptoms routinely in clinical practice and to look for innovative interventions considering the limited resources available in the public health care system.
To start with, there is an urgent need to get adequate data of the actual prevalence of mental and neurological disorders. Without this data, it is not possible to convince policy makers to make arrangements for provision of services.
Some context specific studies suggest that between 25-30% of all people who attend out-patient facilities have a psychological condition co-existing with a physical condition. A review of the current Mental Health Act is being done on the basis of such statistics.
Research also shows that apart from untreated psychiatric illness, the stigma associated with mental illness can adversely affect help-seeking behaviour and mental health in general. That the stigma attached to the label of ‘mental illness’ can have a lasting impact on the person labelled.
As Kenya joins the world in marking the world mental health day; there is need to give credit to organizations such as the Africa Mental Health Foundation who have been a leader in carrying out research in the Kenyan setting that has and continues to greatly inform policy.
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-89035/depression-crisis-kenya#sthash.0eYwXRxX.dpuf
Today,
Kenya will join more than 100 other countries of the world to celebrate
the World Mental Health Day – a globally observed day meant to raise
public awareness about mental health.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is Depression: A global crisis. According to WHO statistics for 2002, there are 154 million people globally who suffer from depression, itself a form of mental illness. By 2030, depression alone is likely to be the second highest cause of disease, second only to HIV/AIDS.
Mental disorders affect men and women almost equally. However, almost all studies show a higher prevalence of depression among women than men, with a ratio of between 1.5:1 and 2:1. (Baseline study on the situation and governance of mental health and development services in Kenya).
A research by the Africa Mental Health Foundation: Suicidality and Depression among adult patients admitted in general medical facilities in Kenya led by Professor of Psychiatry David M Ndetei found that on average 1 out of 10 patients had suicidal symptoms more so in younger (14.5%) than the older people (8.0%) and in the more depressed.
The sample total was 2780 patients in 10 general medical facilities in Kenya who were interviewed for suicidal symptoms and depression.
These symptoms had not been clinically recognized and therefore not managed and that is why the study called for clinical practice that routinely enquires for suicidal symptoms in general medical wards. Little attention has been paid to suicide reports as suicide is still considered a taboo subject in our society.
However, from the study, it is evident that appropriate practices and policies are needed to increase awareness of, and screen for depression and suicide symptoms routinely in clinical practice and to look for innovative interventions considering the limited resources available in the public health care system.
To start with, there is an urgent need to get adequate data of the actual prevalence of mental and neurological disorders. Without this data, it is not possible to convince policy makers to make arrangements for provision of services.
Some context specific studies suggest that between 25-30% of all people who attend out-patient facilities have a psychological condition co-existing with a physical condition. A review of the current Mental Health Act is being done on the basis of such statistics.
Research also shows that apart from untreated psychiatric illness, the stigma associated with mental illness can adversely affect help-seeking behaviour and mental health in general. That the stigma attached to the label of ‘mental illness’ can have a lasting impact on the person labelled.
As Kenya joins the world in marking the world mental health day; there is need to give credit to organizations such as the Africa Mental Health Foundation who have been a leader in carrying out research in the Kenyan setting that has and continues to greatly inform policy.
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-89035/depression-crisis-kenya#sthash.0eYwXRxX.dpuf
According to an article by Liz. Ombati ,(2012, October 10). The Star.The theme for this year’s celebrations is Depression: A global crisis. According to WHO statistics for 2002, there are 154 million people globally who suffer from depression, itself a form of mental illness. By 2030, depression alone is likely to be the second highest cause of disease, second only to HIV/AIDS.
Mental disorders affect men and women almost equally. However, almost all studies show a higher prevalence of depression among women than men, with a ratio of between 1.5:1 and 2:1. (Baseline study on the situation and governance of mental health and development services in Kenya).
A research by the Africa Mental Health Foundation: Suicidality and Depression among adult patients admitted in general medical facilities in Kenya led by Professor of Psychiatry David M Ndetei found that on average 1 out of 10 patients had suicidal symptoms more so in younger (14.5%) than the older people (8.0%) and in the more depressed.
The sample total was 2780 patients in 10 general medical facilities in Kenya who were interviewed for suicidal symptoms and depression.
These symptoms had not been clinically recognized and therefore not managed and that is why the study called for clinical practice that routinely enquires for suicidal symptoms in general medical wards. Little attention has been paid to suicide reports as suicide is still considered a taboo subject in our society.
However, from the study, it is evident that appropriate practices and policies are needed to increase awareness of, and screen for depression and suicide symptoms routinely in clinical practice and to look for innovative interventions considering the limited resources available in the public health care system.
To start with, there is an urgent need to get adequate data of the actual prevalence of mental and neurological disorders. Without this data, it is not possible to convince policy makers to make arrangements for provision of services.
Some context specific studies suggest that between 25-30% of all people who attend out-patient facilities have a psychological condition co-existing with a physical condition. A review of the current Mental Health Act is being done on the basis of such statistics.
Research also shows that apart from untreated psychiatric illness, the stigma associated with mental illness can adversely affect help-seeking behaviour and mental health in general. That the stigma attached to the label of ‘mental illness’ can have a lasting impact on the person labelled.
As Kenya joins the world in marking the world mental health day; there is need to give credit to organizations such as the Africa Mental Health Foundation who have been a leader in carrying out research in the Kenyan setting that has and continues to greatly inform policy.
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-89035/depression-crisis-kenya#sthash.0eYwXRxX.dpuf
By
2030, depression alone is likely to be the second highest cause of
disease, second only to HIV/AIDS. - See more at:
http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-89035/depression-crisis-kenya#sthash.0eYwXRxX.dpuf
- In 2030, depression alone is likely to be the cause of death, second to HIV!!
- Reasearch led to the realization of depression rates being higher in men than in women.
The World Health Organization (WHO) further states that:
- Depression can be long-lasting or recurrent, substantially impairing an individual’s ability to function at work or school or cope with daily life. At its most severe, depression can lead to suicide. When mild, people can be treated without medicines but when depression is moderate or severe they may need medication and professional talking treatments.
- Depression is a disorder that can be reliably diagnosed and treated by non-specialists as part of primary health care. Specialist care is needed for a small proportion of individuals with complicated depression or those who do not respond to first-line treatments.
AMONGST THE KENYAN YOUTHS ==>
According to a study by Khasakhala L., et al 2013. the prevalence of depression among youths attending general health facilities and those in secondary schools has been found to be high .
Studies also indicate that untreated MDD(Major Depressive Disorder) in youths is associated with later development of anxiety disorders, bipolar mood disorders, and substance abuse disorders.
A recent discussion aired on Citizen Tv recently, goes into depth into trying to shed light on the issues that the Kenyan youths grapple with in their day to day lives that leads to major depression cases amongst these youths.
No comments:
Post a Comment