Navigating Stress and Depression: A Guide for Young People

By Sr. Lydia M. Okang’a

In a world filled with constant pressures and expectations, stress and depression have become all too common, especially among young people in Kenya and beyond. It is depressing to watch news on Kenyan televisions. At one moment you hear of a murder case, a suicide case or general mental instability. With the fast-paced nature of modern life, coupled with societal challenges, it is essential to equip ourselves with strategies to overcome these mental health hurdles. How then can young people navigate stress and depression? Here is how:

Recognize the Signs
Understanding the symptoms of stress and depression is the first step towards overcoming them. These may include persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating. By acknowledging these signs, individuals can seek help and support before it is too late early on.

Cultivate Supportive Relationships
Building a strong support system can significantly alleviate stress and depression. Encourage young people to connect with friends, family members, or mentors they trust. Sharing feelings and experiences with others can provide comfort and perspective, reminding individuals that they are not alone in their struggles.

Practice Self-Care
Prioritizing self-care is crucial for maintaining mental well-being. Encouraging young people to engage in activities that bring them joy and relaxation, whether it is exercising, pursuing hobbies, or spending time in nature. Additionally, emphasizing the importance of adequate sleep, healthy eating habits, and opening up to trusted friends/family can help manage stress levels.

Set Realistic Goals
Unrealistic expectations and perfectionism can fuel stress and contribute to feelings of inadequacy. It is therefore paramount for young people to set achievable goals and break them down into manageable steps. Celebrating small victories along the way fosters a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem.

Limit Social Media Exposure
While social media can be a valuable tool for staying connected, excessive use can exacerbate feelings of stress and inadequacy. Young people should therefore limit their screen time, curate their online environment to include positive influences, and practice digital detoxes regularly.

Educate and Advocate
Breaking the silence surrounding mental health issues is essential for creating a supportive environment. Young people need to educate themselves and others about mental health, challenge stigma, and advocate for improved access to mental health services and resources.

Seek Professional Help

As parents, we always aspire to provide the best for our children, seeking not only good education but also instilling good morals. In the pursuit of allowing our children to stay connected in this digitally transformed world, we permit them to bring their cell phones to school. However, it is crucial to pause and ask: how much freedom is too much for our children? While it’s essential to grant teenagers autonomy in using cell phones, the question arises about whether they should carry and use them during class time.
We often witness working professionals in workshops succumbing to distractions by their gadgets when a facilitator is moderating. Imagine a parent, perhaps already struggling with concentration, becoming engrossed in their mobile phones. The attention span of a young person is lower than that of a mature individual, raising concerns about how much a teenager can concentrate during a lesson when equipped with a device that offers entertainment, especially when boredom strikes.
It’s time to learn moderation in our approach to our children’s cell phone use. While allowing them to carry phones to school, there is potential in having teachers keep the phones and only return them when it’s time to go home or in case of emergencies that require parental attention.

Although there is still some stigma associated with mental health, mental health services are increasingly available. Encouraging young people to reach out to mental health professionals, counselors, or support groups can provide invaluable assistance. Services like helplines and online counseling platforms offer accessible avenues for seeking help confidentially.

Foster Resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, and it is a skill that can be cultivated over time. Young people need to look at challenges as opportunities to grow rather than insurmountable obstacles. Building resilience involves developing coping mechanisms, problem-solving skills, and a positive outlook on life. That is why at Loyola Centre for Media and Communications, we empower young people to be holistically resilient.

Conclusion

All said and done, navigating stress and depression as a young person can be challenging, but it is not insurmountable. By recognizing the signs, seeking help when needed, cultivating supportive relationships, prioritizing self-care, setting realistic goals, limiting social media exposure, advocating for change and fostering resilience, young people can overcome these obstacles and lead fulfilling lives. Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Together, we can create a society where mental well-being is prioritized, and no one suffers in silence.