Machakos County Commissioner Esther Maina has decried increased cases of suicide in the county.
Addressing journalists in her office on Tuesday Maina observed that the cases are common in youths. She noted that the catastrophe should trigger community re-awakening to restore social ethics or else more lives will be lost.
"Suicidal thoughts are common in youths, it's not easy to know if one is suffering from it as they often keep it to themselves. Scores of young people suffer from mental illness without even realising it," said Maina.
The Commissioner noted that there was a need for parents to build close relationships with their children. This is in a bid to create a conducive environment that will make their kids express their case they are battling issues.
According to reports, mental health has been overlooked in Kenya as very few people see the need to seek professional help whenever they face psychological issues.
People, especially youngsters fail to seek medical help thus undergoing depression and stress.
Majority of Kenyans do not understand that mental health disorders can drastically alter one's day to day functioning. People assume that those with mental issues are those in dirty torn clothes eating from bins.
#hivisadaoriginal