MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE

MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE

Since my diagnosis I have tried to end my own life more times than the average person. For some reason I keep surviving where it has become like an annual omen.

I know it seems odd to talk about such topics but this because there hasn't been enough awareness not only in Kenya but globally.

Let's look at some statistics.Globally, approximately 703,000 to 740,000 people die by suicide each year. This translates to one death by suicide occurring roughly every 43 seconds. And around 90% of them are diagnosed with a mental illness.

We need desensitisation in mental health not only in Kenya but globally. To break stigma and raise awareness. And provide more affordable ways these health care services to the less prominent people in the society.

I personally have been struggling with suicide since 2018 after my diagnosis, and I understand what goes through the mind of someone who goes through this mental breakdown.

A combination of therapy and medication might help. This is not 100% you might find the doctor may give medication that doubles down on the victims depression or mental illness diagnosed.

From my personal experience there has been an instance where I attempted a suicide immediately after being prescribed wellbutrin an antidepressant. Doctors mean no harm but these are some of the cons of seeing a psychiatrist.

Those are just some of the risk factors mentally ill people go through. Others could be loss of a job or loss of a loved one the factors are endless.

I think mental illness awareness starts with us. Your friend or family just checking up on them but not by calling asking them if there fine. Show up at their doorstep announced and ask them if they want to go for a walk or go out for pizza.

In this way you would have eliminated room for the person to be out of that "funk". So be thoughtful to someone suffering from mental illness and they will appreciate it even more.