Mental illness has been a crucial health issue globally. Depression being the most common mental illness, effects youths at a rapid rate in which 1.9 million people are diagnosed with mental conditions according to World Health Organization (WHO). Depression is the most common condition with other mental disorders such Anxiety disorder, Bi-polar disorder, post Traumatic disorder and Schizophrenia also being major causes.
One can become a victim of mental illness through the following ways;
- Severe Trauma
Persons who experience repeated series of suffering emotionally either by losing a loved one or being in toxic unhealthy relationships. Several divorcées come out sharing their traumatic experiences after being divorced or losing their loved ones. Victims of defilement or rape also report experiencing mental illness such as Post Traumatic Stress disorder (PSTD)
- Family Hereditary
There are families who are known to have certain mental conditions such as Bi-polar which are passed on from one generation to another through genes. According to Genetics experts the human body has genes liked to chromosome 3 and 10 in the body that are responsible in carrying the mental disorder variants such as Bi-polar and Schizophrenia. Mental illness does not discriminate as the Royal Family also opens up to mental health struggles.
- Drug Abuse
Majority of youth report experiencing hallucinations, depression, panic disorder and respiratory diseases as a result of abusing drugs on various occasions such as in house parties, clubbing and mourning of beloved ones.
- Neurosyphilis
Syphilis is a Sexual transmitted infection spread through direct sexual contact with an effected person.
Neurosyphilis is a bacterial infection of the brain that occurs in people who have untreated Syphilis. Neurosyphilis effects a person by altering one’s ability to identify speech, weakening of the brain cells. Neurosyphilis is accompanied by the following symptoms;
- Sores in the genitalia that makes one unable to walk Â
- Poor concentration
- Confusion, unable to concentrate.
- Poor control of the bladder
- Eye sight problems that could lead to blindness.
According to a report by the Kenya Reproductive Health Knowledge, attitudes and practice findings is that 50% youths are sexually active and start initiating sexual intercourse as low as 14 years of age.
This exposes them to the risk of getting sexual transmitted infections including Syphilis which could be fatal and lead to Neurosyphilis if left untreated for long time. The Kenya Ministry of Health urges youths to abstain from sexual intercourse to those under the legal age and practice of safer sex by adults through the use of condoms that are provided freely by ministry of health.