Youth and Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma

Opinion By Maryann Wairimu | Student, KCA University 

Image Illustration: Desn-Maryann Wairimu//EoK//

The youth today have increasingly begun to identify mental health as a significant concern. Many face rising levels of anxiety, depression, and stress conditions that, for years, have been left unspoken or misunderstood. While awareness has gained momentum through campaigns and conversations, stigma remains a powerful barrier that prevents many young people from seeking help when it’s needed most.

Often, fear of judgment or being misunderstood leads young people to remain silent about their struggles. What starts as a small challenge becomes a heavy burden when one is afraid to reach out. This silence can turn into a dangerous spiral, pushing them deeper into isolation. The unspoken truth is that many suffer quietly, not because they want to, but because the environment around them doesn’t feel safe for vulnerability.

Stigma presents itself in various ways. From making jokes about someone attending therapy to calling someone “weak” for opening up, or simply treating mental illness as a taboo, these attitudes form a toxic atmosphere. They discourage honesty and worsen the feelings of loneliness and shame. In schools, homes, and social circles, these subtle yet damaging beliefs reinforce the idea that emotional struggle is something to hide, not heal.

To break this harmful culture, we must begin with awareness and education. Mental health should no longer be treated as an afterthought. It should be integrated into school curricula, not only as an academic topic but as a life skill. Students must be taught that emotions are part of being human, and that seeking help is not weakness—it is strength. Teachers, parents, and guardians must also be part of this learning curve. Their role in modeling open, non-judgmental listening can make a world of difference.

Photo: Youths engaging in a discussion 

One of the most promising signs of change is that young people themselves are leading the way. Through social media platforms, mental health clubs, and peer support networks, they are using their voices to create safe spaces. They are proving that empathy is stronger than stigma. When a young person publicly shares their story or encourages others to speak out, it sends a powerful message: you are not alone.

Mental health is just as important as physical health. When young people feel safe enough to speak up and know they will be met with compassion instead of shame, they are more likely to access the support they need. Therapy, counseling, even a listening ear from a friend or parent—all these can be life-changing, even life-saving.

It’s time we built a culture of help—a society where well-being is prioritized, where conversations around mental health are normalized, and where no young person is made to feel small or “crazy” for struggling. If we truly want our youth to thrive, then we must break the stigma and replace it with understanding, support, and hope.

Maryann Wairimu is a Journalism and Digital Media Student at KCA University. Email: wairimu.maryanne.w@gmail.com

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