Medics have raised alarm as the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) struggles to cope with an influx of teenage patients who have attempted suicide. Speaking to the press, Dr. Wilson Aruasa, the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), revealed that a startling half of the patients in the ICU are adolescents who attempted to take their own lives.
Expressing his dismay over this troubling situation, Dr Aruasa highlighted the pervasive issue of suicide among young people aged between 18 and 23, not only in the North Rift region but across the country. He emphasized that many of these cases are closely linked to mental health challenges.
“We receive up to five cases of attempted suicide in a day at the hospital, with the majority being young people aged between 18 and 23,” Dr Aruasa disclosed.
During a procession to mark World Suicide Prevention Day in Eldoret town, the CEO shed light on the underlying problem. He stressed that most children and adolescents who attempt suicide often grapple with significant mental health problems, particularly depression.
Dr Aruasa used the occasion to call upon parents, elders, and guardians to assume greater responsibility in identifying and assisting teenagers and children who exhibit signs of mental challenges. Furthermore, he encouraged individuals dealing with mental health issues to seek help at MTRH, assuring them that the hospital boasts modern facilities equipped to treat and manage these challenges.
Highlighting the hospital’s commitment to addressing mental health issues, Aruasa revealed that an in-depth analysis of patients admitted after suicide attempts has shown that a significant proportion of them, especially teenagers, suffer from mental health-related problems.
“Half of the patients admitted to our hospital after attempting suicide are teenagers and many result from an imbalance in the provision of health services,” Aruasa emphasized.
He underscored that MTRH is dedicated to providing a holistic approach to medical care for its patients, which has effectively addressed mental health challenges.
Aruasa further elaborated that suicide attempts among younger children are often impulsive reactions to feelings of sadness, confusion, anger, or issues with attention and hyperactivity.
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Gladys Shollei, who was also present at the event, stressed the importance of involving all stakeholders in creating awareness about mental health to prevent more cases of suicide, especially among the youth. She shared a personal tragedy, revealing that she lost her first cousin to suicide, underscoring the urgency of addressing this critical issue.
The rising number of suicide attempts among teenagers in the region is a cause for serious concern, and it highlights the pressing need for increased awareness, support, and mental health services for young people facing these challenges.
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