- Kisii County health officials have raised alarm over rising depression and mental breakdown cases among children and youth.
- Parents, teachers and church leaders have been urged to watch for early behavioural, emotional and physical signs of stress and depression in young people.
- Communities have been encouraged to create safe, judgement-free spaces for youth to share their struggles and to seek professional counselling before conditions worsen.
By Enock Okong’o
Kisii County health officials and community groups have raised concern over rising cases of depression and mental breakdown among children and youth, urging communities to remain vigilant as sensitisation efforts on mental health awareness continue across the region.
Speaking in Kisii town, Guidance and Counselling expert Paul Obwogo called upon churches and school leaders to take the lead in addressing the issue, warning that avoidable deaths could continue unless urgent action is taken. He said many young people, particularly those facing frustration from failed relationships or marriages, end up taking their own lives due to overwhelming family pressure, much of which could be prevented if they remained open with their parents.
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Obwogo urged parents to be more responsive to their children by watching for early signs of depression, such as a previously social person suddenly becoming withdrawn and quiet, or a normally calm individual becoming unusually talkative and resistant to interruption. He explained that stress and depression can manifest emotionally, behaviourally and physically, with affected individuals losing interest in activities they once enjoyed, such as work, school or church, becoming easily irritated, angry or tearful, and developing feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness and guilt.
He added that some victims experience poor concentration, forgetfulness and declining performance, while others withdraw from family and friends or turn to alcohol and drugs. Physically, he noted, stress can cause persistent headaches, stomach pains, fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, and shifts in appetite leading to weight loss or gain.
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Obwogo called on parents, teachers and church leaders to create a safe and judgement-free environment where young people can openly share their challenges, and urged families to seek professional counselling early, before stress escalates into severe depression.
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