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Contrary to popular belief, the prevalence of mental illness among children in Kenya is estimated at 20 to 40 percent. Various studies conducted in the past 10 years also reveal that most mood disorders begin during adolescence (14-19 years).

According to the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), the first experiment or debut with psychoactive substances among Kenyan children occurred immediately after primary school (Class 8) or while in Form 2 during the same age group of 14-16 years. Depression, anxiety, attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder, autism, spectrum disorder, conduct disorders, substance use and, in rare cases, psychotic illnesses are common mental illnesses.

A list compiled in 2019, of how children ended up at Gertrude’s Children Hospital’s psychiatry clinic, revealed the following: The majority had been sent by other doctors and teachers, while a few had requested assistance on their own. The majority had been experiencing these symptoms for more than six months. Similar reports from the Kenyatta National Hospital adolescent clinic indicated that adolescents in the youth centre had to wait up to 16 months from the onset of their symptoms to see a mental health practitioner.

Physical symptoms

Other than mood swings, fear, isolation and suicidal ideation, most children with mental distress exhibit physical symptoms. These include abdominal pain, unexplained headaches, and episodes of fainting.

There is no single cause of any mental illness. Most disorders follow a pattern that involves a combination of three factors: predisposition (genetic or hormonal), a specific temperament or pattern of thinking, and social stressors or events.

Most people believe that social stressors and adverse life events are the primary causes of mental illnesses. Academic pressure, loss of a parent or guardian, parental conflict, peer pressure, bullying, and other factors fall into this category. Prof Ndetei et al. conducted a study in 2016 that found that peri-urban living, divorced/separated parents, employed mothers, and being held back in school were all common factors among children who scored high on mental distress questionnaires.

Unfortunately, some of these factors are beyond the control of a parent or guardian. We cannot, for example, alter our genetics. It is best to accept a family history of mental illness and be prepared if your child begins to exhibit symptoms.

The adolescent period is characterised by hormonal ups and downs, which is thought to be one of the reasons mood disorders emerge during this time. These are referred to as biological causes of mental illness because they involve a change in one’s brain chemicals or anatomical structure.

Medication such as antidepressants or antipsychotics are frequently prescribed.

The Covid-19 long break from school in 2020 should also be studied. Many children experienced mental distress, and began to exhibit various mental symptoms, or engaged in distractive habits such as substance abuse, sexual incidents, and screen time addiction.

There are three professional suggestions for dealing with this problem. First and foremost, start listening to children and adolescents when they are young and address their concerns appropriately. Pay attention to their words and nonverbal communication and behaviour.

Second, keep children safe from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Neglect includes being emotionally unavailable, too busy to address their concerns, recurring conflict among adults, or persistent criticism directed at the child.

Third, take advantage of counseling services and seek professional assistance when in doubt. Don’t expect mental illnesses to go away. They can be suppressed, but if not dealt with, they will always resurface. Let us all remain vigilant.

— Dr Mochache is a psychiatrist consultant while Dr Ngwiri is a pediatrician and Head of Clinical Services, Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital