The man sitting in the corner of the room has emotional and mental problems He has depression and stress from society and work. medical concept.
They say, “Smooth seas never made a skilled sailor.” Life, for all its beauty, is rarely a smooth sea. It’s full of storms some we see coming, others that hit out of nowhere. And one of the fiercest storms we face today is depression, a silent thief that creeps in and robs people of their joy, hope, and sometimes even their lives. It doesn’t discriminate. Whether you’re rich or poor, in love or heartbroken, its shadow looms large.
Let’s start with an undeniable fact: life picked you. Out of millions of competitors, you didn’t just show up you won. Your very existence is a standing ovation moment, proof that you’ve been defying the odds since before you even had a name. And yet, here we are, watching depression barge into lives like an uninvited guest, wreaking havoc and stealing dreams. It’s like winning an Olympic gold medal only for someone to trip you on your victory lap.
But let’s not forget—every single one of us was born with the strength to weather storms. From the moment we came into existence, we overcame the odds to be here. That resilience lies within us still, even when the waves feel insurmountable. So, why does depression seem to have the upper hand?
The truth is, this battle is fueled by many forces, each chipping away at our mental defenses. Let’s dive into the major culprits.
1. MONEY
Have you tried checking your wallet lately? If it doesn’t laugh at you first, it might cry. The state of the economy has turned everyone into reluctant mathematicians, calculating how to stretch a few coins across rent, food, and the occasional splurge on toothpaste. Job losses, rising costs, and the ever-elusive “opportunities” have left many feeling hopeless.
When the bills pile up and the income doesn’t, anxiety swoops in. Imagine waking up every day wondering how to pay rent, buy food, or cover basic needs. That kind of pressure doesn’t just weigh on your wallet—it crushes your spirit. For many, it feels like no matter how hard they try, they’re running on a treadmill, getting nowhere.People who once had stable jobs are now staring at empty bank accounts, wondering if their dreams of financial freedom were just cruel jokes. It’s not just numbers on a spreadsheet—it’s the loss of dignity, the frustration of wanting to provide for your family, and the silent fear of what tomorrow might bring.
It’s no secret: money makes the world go round. But what happens when it stops flowing? The current state of the economy has turned finances into a waking nightmare. Jobs are scarce, businesses are struggling, and families are being stretched to their limits.
The ripple effects are devastating. People lose their sense of purpose when jobs disappear. Dreams are put on hold indefinitely. Dignity takes a hit when asking for help feels like failure. And all of this fuels the perfect storm for depression to take root.
2.RELATIONSHIPS AND LOVE
Then there’s the emotional rollercoaster of relationships. Love, they say, is the glue that holds us together, but when that glue cracks, the fallout can be brutal. Infidelity has become an all-too-common reality, breaking the bonds of trust and turning once-loving relationships into sources of pain.
But it’s not just cheating that wreaks havoc—breakups themselves leave deep wounds. Moving on is easier said than done, especially when one partner clings to the past while the other moves forward. The longing, the endless and the difficulty of letting go often trap people in emotional limbo.
Worse still, some people get back together not out of love, but because they can’t bear the emptiness of separation. These cycles of breaking up and making up don’t just bruise egos—they leave lasting scars that make healing almost impossible. For many, depression finds its way into these open wounds, growing quietly as the pain festers.
3.ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUTUATIONAL FACTORS.
Our surroundings and life circumstances significantly influence our mental health. Natural disasters like earthquakes, floods like the one we experienced in Mathare early this year that left many families grieving wounds of loosing loved ones who were swept away by the raging floods, or even pandemics all this can disrupt entire community, leaving people to grapple with loss, displacement, and uncertainty. In such situations, depression often follows as individuals face the overwhelming challenge of rebuilding their lives. Similarly, social upheavals such as wars or political unrest create a sense of fear and instability, exacerbating mental health struggles. Even daily environments, like toxic workplaces, can lead to depression. Workplace harassment, excessive pressure, or a lack of support can push individuals into emotional burnout, making it difficult for them to find joy or balance in life.
4.NEGATIVE THOUGHTS
Our minds are powerful, and the way we think can significantly shape our mental health. Persistent negative thought patterns, such as self-criticism or feelings of inadequacy, often act as fertile ground for depression. These thoughts can manifest as perfectionism constantly striving for unattainable goals or as a tendency to catastrophize, imagining the worst in every situation. Over time, these patterns create a vicious cycle, where negative beliefs fuel depression, and depression reinforces those beliefs.
5. TRAUMA AND STRESS
Trauma leaves deep emotional scars that can linger for years, sometimes unnoticed until triggered by a similar experience. Childhood trauma, such as abuse or neglect, can shape a person’s mental health, making them more vulnerable to depression in adulthood. Similarly, surviving traumatic events like accidents, violence, or the sudden loss of a loved one which coexists with depression in many cases. Chronic stress, whether from financial struggles, caregiving, or relentless work demands, further adds to the emotional burden. Over time, the mind and body may become exhausted, making it harder to cope with life’s challenges and opening the door to depression.
NAVIGATING THE STORM
So, what can we do to reclaim our lives from depression’s grip?
For starters, we need to stop pretending everything is fine when it’s not. Acknowledging the struggle is the first step to overcoming it.
If money is the issue, let’s have real conversations about it. Seek financial advice, explore new opportunities, and lean on community support when needed. If relationships are the source of pain, be honest about your feelings, and don’t be afraid to seek professional help to navigate the emotional aftermath.
More importantly, remember this: no storm lasts forever. Depression may try to convince you otherwise, but it lies. You’ve been winning battles since the day you were conceived. That strength, that resilience, is still within you.
So, when the waves of life get rough, hold onto this truth: you were made to sail through. And even when it feels like the world is against you, there’s always hope on the horizon.
Author: Austine Omino
We can never solve our problems with the same thinking we used while creating them
