Suicides in Kenya and in many African countries are on the rise. Even professionals who have emigrated to the United States, Canada, the EU, and Australia are under increased stress and may become desperate. If you feel like giving up, you are not alone. I regularly hear from urban business owners dealing with almost constant stress from suppliers, debts, and limitations on their business. I also meet professionals who worry about unemployment and meeting their financial obligations. If you are overwhelmed with desperation, can’t face family and friends, or feel like you have reached your limits, it is time to get help. Suffering in silence is too much to bear alone.

Many of us have suffered severely from the added stress of COVID-19. The negative mental health effects of Corona can trigger severe depression and excruciating loneliness, often due to avoiding close social contacts while trying to prevent the spread of the deadly disease. Isolation and social distancing, combined with financial stress and health concerns, can build on feelings of low self-esteem and low confidence. The result can be a full-blown personal crisis and may lead to feelings of devaluing your life.

Increased awareness that you are in danger can help you take action. Suicide can be prevented. Check yourself or your loved one for risk factors

• Prior suicide attempt(s)
• Misuse and abuse of alcohol or other drugs
• Mental disorders- depression, PTSD, and other mood disorders
• Access to lethal means
• Knowing someone who died by suicide (peer influence) or a family member (familial tendencies or genetics)
• Social isolation, rejection, bullying, violence, marital discord, extreme stress
• Chronic disease and disability
• Lack of access to behavioural health care

How many of the warning signs and risk factors apply to you?

Other behaviours may also indicate a serious risk—especially if the behaviour is new, has increased, and/or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.

• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings (2)

Other behaviours may also indicate a serious risk—especially if the behaviour is new, has increased, and/or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.

• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings (2)

Don’t let your silent reality or the stigma it holds plague you or your loved ones any further. By building a non-judgmental relationship in therapy with Victoria Joseph, you can relieve your feelings of despair and helplessness. You will become more self-aware and build more self-esteem. Victoria will help you find healthier coping skills.

You are not alone! Fill out the contact form to start the process today.