Are you aware that a comment you make about someone’s physical look has the power to build or break their self-esteem and could lead to suicide?
According to Gladys Chania, a Kiambu-based politician and a counselling psychologist, increasing suicide cases stem from stigmatisation.
She argues that in this age when social media is a huge part of our lives, stigmatisation on the basis of height, size and colour has thrust many people into depression and the aftermath is suicide.
“Let's not create stigma to our sisters and brothers either through colour, size or height. Many people are committing suicide from different types of depressions and one of it is feeling not loved or accepted,” said Chania during an interview on Thursday.
According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2017, depression stood out as the biggest cause of suicides in the country. Further, Kenya ranks sixth among African countries with the highest depression rates.
Jane Nzumbi, a Kiambu resident who resides in Thika, understands well how stigmatisation can damage one’s self-esteem.
Nzumbi is seven-feet tall, something she says has made her dating life quite difficult.
“Dating has not been easy for me because guys don't feel comfortable walking with me. She told K24 during an interview on Thursday.
Miriam Wanjiru, another Kiambu resident who resides in Kikuyu has been battling stigmatisation owing to her short stature. Some people treat her in a way she says displeases her.
Jane Zumbi (c) and Margaret Wanjiru (r). [Source/ Gladys Chania]
Nevertheless, Nzumbi and Wanjiru have learned to live happily because they have accepted who they are, something that Chania lauds.
“It is very important to appreciate how God created you. It does not matter what someone else thinks as long as you treasure how God created you. Everyone deserves to be loved, their physical looks notwithstanding,” said Chania.
To Kenyans on social media and the society, she adds, “you should measure your words and learn to appreciate everybody.”