Depression
The real dream reaper.
About two months ago, we heard a case of a great man, an academician who has contributed immensely on literary works and research in Kenya. From the look of things, the man seemed to have it all in life.
Having served in public service in best capacities and rising gradually to be a professor to reckon with, so many of us were shocked of the unfolding circumstances surrounding his death. Late last year, a senior top manager at Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) company jumped to his death from the 17th floor of Delta building.
Mid last month a young man shared on his timeline on how death was a solution to all problems and barely a fortnight afterwards, have we found him in the obituaries. For an uncountable number of times, we have heard of husbands stubbing their wives and vice versa, the list is endless but…..
Depression knows no boundary. It does not discriminate. It affects the people whom we admire; those who we wish to be in their shoes since they work with the best companies, drive the latest models etc. On the flip-side it affects those who live not so glamorous lives as well.
Bringing this closer home; to younger people…..
Life after campus can really be a pain in the neck. A small percentage of a graduating class manage to secure jobs immediately while the majority languish in job searching sites competing for the scarce opportunities. The latter’s optimism fades overtime due to unsuccessful applications and no responses. At this time, without knowing the next cause of action, majority of these youth may succumb into depression.
Life happens, and without jobs these graduates are burdened with bills including house rents, electricity, water , and for some responsibilities to support their younger siblings await them. Some find life cruel and overwhelming since they live from hand to mouth and opt for suicide as the easy way out while others strive amid adversity.
According to World Health Organization, depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease with more than 300 million people of all ages suffering from depression. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide. Close to 800 000 people die due to suicide every year.
With suicide being the second leading cause of death in 15–29-year-olds, this young, energetic and zealous peers needs to be given utmost care and support. Majority of them are at self-discovering season and unfortunately they are not aware on how to handle life challenges.
Consequently, we need to address this dream harvester that doesn’t discriminate age before it becomes pandemic like HIV or even cancer.
Registration is ongoing. Visit our website to register.
Sub Saharan International Model United Nations (SAIMUN) is a five-day international relations simulation for both high school and university/college students that is held annually at the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON) Gigiri. The international meeting is attended by more than 800 students from all over the world, in which they debate the major issues of the international political agenda. SAIMUN19 now beckons all of us to once again take part. The theme is “Youth Leadership at its Peak:The role of the Youth In Sustainable Development” It will be held from 8th -12th July 2019, so make sure your calendars are marked!
SAIMUN also strives to offer an all-rounded journalism experience to the media team through simulating different media: a newspaper — The Daily SAIMUNER, a video news channel on YouTube — SAIMUN News, this blog along with various social media platforms. To get all this and more, subscribe to our mailing list below.
