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 itās 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 doesnāt feel safe for vulnerability. Stigma presents itself in various ways. From making jokes about ...