Why mental health is the health story of our time
Mental health is no longer a quiet, private matter. It is a global public health priority. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than one billion people were living with a mental health condition in 2021, and anxiety and depression are the most common. The WHO also estimates that depression and anxiety together cost the world economy around US$1 trillion every year in lost productivity.
The numbers keep telling the same story:
- In its first year, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a 25% rise in the global prevalence of anxiety and depression, according to the WHO.
- The WHO reports that half of all mental health conditions begin by age 14, yet most go undetected and untreated.
- More than 720,000 people die by suicide every year, and it remains among the leading causes of death in young people worldwide.
- Governments spend a median of only about 2% of their health budgets on mental health, according to the WHO Mental Health Atlas.
- In Kenya, a national mental health taskforce report estimated that roughly one in four outpatients and about four in ten inpatients have a mental health condition, which shows how common these problems are in everyday clinics.
Behind every statistic is a person who is tired, worried, sleeping badly, or struggling to concentrate, and who may not realise that the body can be part of the story.
The modern world is changing our minds and bodies
Why are so many people struggling? Researchers point to a mix of pressures that define modern life:
- Always on work culture. Long hours, job insecurity and blurred boundaries between work and home raise chronic stress.
- Digital overload. Constant notifications, social media comparison and late night screen time disrupt sleep and mood.
- Sleep loss. Poor sleep is both a symptom and a driver of anxiety and depression.
- Economic strain. Cost of living, debt and uncertainty are strongly linked to poorer mental health.
- Isolation. Many people are more connected online and less connected in person than any generation before.
- Substance use. Alcohol, cannabis, stimulants and other drugs are often used to cope, and can worsen mood and anxiety over time.
Stress is not weakness. It is a biological response, and it leaves fingerprints on the body.
The mind body connection: why medical tests matter
Here is a fact that surprises many people: a blood test cannot diagnose depression or anxiety. Mental health conditions are diagnosed through a clinical assessment with a trained health professional, often supported by validated questionnaires.
But medical tests still play a powerful role. Many physical conditions look and feel like mental health problems, and some make existing conditions worse. If they are missed, a person can spend months treating low mood or anxiety when the real driver is a treatable medical issue.
For example:
- An underactive thyroid can cause low mood, fatigue and poor concentration, while an overactive thyroid can cause anxiety, restlessness and a racing heart.
- Anaemia and iron deficiency can cause exhaustion, irritability, low mood and brain fog.
- Low vitamin B12 can contribute to memory problems, tingling, fatigue and mood changes.
- Low vitamin D has been associated with low mood in several studies, although research is still ongoing.
- Unstable blood sugar and diabetes are linked with higher rates of depression and anxiety.
- Hormonal changes, including those linked to menopause, pregnancy, and the postpartum period, can strongly affect mood.
- Infections, chronic illnesses, sleep disorders and some medicines can also change how we think and feel.
Testing does two things. It rules out physical causes, and it gives your clinician a fuller picture so that treatment is safer and better targeted.
Warning signs worth taking seriously
Talk to a health professional if you notice any of these for more than two weeks:
- Persistent sadness, emptiness or loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Constant worry, panic attacks or a sense of dread
- Unexplained tiredness, even after rest
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Trouble concentrating or remembering things
- Irritability, anger or emotional numbness
- Withdrawing from friends, family or work
- Increased use of alcohol or other substances
- Thoughts of self harm or feeling that life is not worth living
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please seek help immediately. Contact your local emergency number or a crisis line. In Kenya, the Kenya Red Cross offers a free counselling line on 1199. Outside Kenya, findahelpline.com lists free support services by country.
Tests and screenings that support mental wellbeing
1. Mental health screening questionnaires
These are quick, validated tools that clinicians use to measure symptoms and track progress.
- PHQ-9 screens for depression and scores symptoms over the past two weeks.
- GAD-7 screens for generalised anxiety.
- EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) screens mothers for postnatal depression.
- AUDIT screens for harmful alcohol use.
How it is done: You answer a short set of questions, usually in under ten minutes, with a doctor, nurse, counsellor or through a secure online platform. Where: Primary care clinics, hospitals, counselling services, workplace wellness programmes and telehealth platforms.
A questionnaire is a starting point, not a diagnosis. A positive result simply means it is time for a proper conversation with a professional.
2. Full Blood Count (FBC)
What it checks: Red cells, white cells and platelets. It can reveal anaemia, infection and inflammation, all of which can drain energy and mood.
How to prepare: Usually no fasting is needed. Drink water and tell the lab about any medicines you take.
3. Thyroid function tests (TSH, free T4, sometimes free T3)
What it checks: How well your thyroid gland regulates your metabolism. Thyroid imbalance is a classic mimic of depression and anxiety.
How to prepare: Usually no fasting is required, but some clinicians prefer morning samples. Mention biotin supplements, as they can interfere with some results.
4. Vitamin B12, folate and vitamin D
What it checks: Nutrient levels that support brain function, energy and mood.
How to prepare: Follow the lab’s instructions. Some clinicians ask for a short fast, particularly for B12 testing.
5. Blood glucose and HbA1c
What it checks: Short term blood sugar (fasting glucose) and the average over about three months (HbA1c). Blood sugar swings can cause anxiety like symptoms, fatigue and irritability.
How to prepare: Fasting glucose normally requires 8 to 10 hours without food, while HbA1c does not.
6. Kidney, liver and electrolyte profile
What it checks: Organ health and mineral balance. These tests help clinicians choose safe medicines and spot hidden illness.
7. Hormone tests
What it checks: Depending on your symptoms, your clinician may check cortisol, sex hormones, or fertility and menopause markers. Hormonal shifts can strongly influence mood, sleep and anxiety.
8. Drugs of abuse and alcohol screening
What it checks: Presence of substances such as cannabis, opioids, amphetamines, benzodiazepines and others, usually through a urine sample, and sometimes saliva or blood. Substance use and mental health problems often occur together, and screening is used in clinical care, workplace safety programmes and recovery support. Results should be handled confidentially and interpreted by a professional.
9. Other tests your clinician may suggest
- Infection screening, including HIV and syphilis, when clinically relevant, since some infections can affect the brain and mood
- Sleep studies for suspected sleep apnoea or other sleep disorders
- Cognitive screening for memory concerns in older adults
- Heart tests such as an ECG when anxiety symptoms include chest tightness or palpitations
How to get tested: a simple step by step guide
- Write down your symptoms. Note when they started, how often they occur, and how they affect work, sleep and relationships.
- Book a consultation. A general practitioner, family doctor, clinical officer or telehealth provider is the best first stop. Be open about your stress, sleep, diet, substance use and family history.
- Ask which tests make sense for you. Your clinician will choose tests based on your symptoms, age, sex and medical history. Avoid self ordering a long list of tests without guidance.
- Prepare for the sample. Follow fasting and medicine instructions. Wear comfortable clothing and stay hydrated.
- Choose an accredited laboratory. Look for national accreditation and quality standards such as ISO 15189, and for qualified, registered laboratory staff.
- Get your results explained. Numbers mean little without context. Review them with your clinician, who can combine them with your history and a mental health assessment.
- Follow through. Treatment may include therapy, lifestyle changes, medicine, treating an underlying condition, or a combination.
Where to get tested
- Accredited medical laboratories, which offer walk in testing, clinician referred testing and, in many places, home sample collection.
- Hospitals and outpatient clinics, especially if you need a specialist referral.
- Primary care and community health centres, often the most affordable starting point.
- Telehealth platforms, which can arrange consultations and lab requests remotely.
- Workplace and university wellness programmes, which increasingly include health screening days.
In Nairobi, Kenya, Biopassion Diagnostics is a patient centred medical laboratory accredited by the KMLTTB, offering wellness screening, blood tests, drugs of abuse testing, STI testing, and DNA and genetic testing, with timely results and convenient sample collection for individuals, families, clinicians and organisations.
Ready to check what your body is telling you? Do not wait for symptoms to get worse. Book your wellness screening with Biopassion Diagnostics today. Call or WhatsApp +254 704 150 555 or visit www.biopassiondiagnostics.com. Your Health IS OUR PASSION.
Small habits that protect your mental health
Testing is powerful, but daily habits matter too. Evidence supports:
- Regular physical activity. Even brisk walking for 30 minutes most days is linked with lower rates of depression and anxiety.
- Consistent sleep. Aim for 7 to 9 hours for most adults, and keep screens out of the last hour before bed.
- Balanced nutrition. Regular meals, enough protein, fibre, fruit and vegetables support steady energy and mood.
- Limiting alcohol and avoiding recreational drugs.
- Staying connected. Talk to friends, family, faith or community groups regularly.
- Setting digital boundaries. Switch off notifications and schedule screen free time.
- Asking for help early. Early support leads to better outcomes and shorter recovery.
Mental health at work: a business issue too
Employers have a major role to play. Untreated mental health problems lead to absenteeism, presenteeism, accidents and staff turnover. Companies that invest in wellness screening, confidential counselling access, manager training and healthy workloads see stronger engagement and productivity. Workplace health days that combine basic lab tests, blood pressure checks and mental health screening are a practical way to start. Organisations can partner with an accredited laboratory to run on site screening for their teams.
Frequently asked questions
Can a blood test detect depression? No. There is no single blood test that diagnoses depression or anxiety. However, blood tests can find physical conditions, such as thyroid problems, anaemia and vitamin deficiencies, that cause or worsen symptoms.
What blood tests should I ask for if I feel constantly tired and low? Common starting points include a full blood count, thyroid function tests, vitamin B12, vitamin D, blood glucose or HbA1c, and a kidney and liver profile. Your clinician will tailor the list to you.
Do I need to fast for these tests? It depends. Fasting glucose and some other tests need 8 to 10 hours without food, while many tests do not. Always confirm with the laboratory when you book.
How often should I get a health screening? Many adults benefit from a general check up every one to two years, or more often if they have risk factors, a chronic condition or a family history of illness. Your clinician can advise you.
Is it normal to feel anxious or sad sometimes? Yes. Emotions are part of life. It becomes a concern when symptoms are persistent, intense, or interfere with daily functioning.
Are my test results confidential? Reputable laboratories and clinicians follow strict confidentiality and data protection practices. Always ask how your information is stored and shared.
The bottom line
Mental health and physical health are two sides of the same coin. In a fast, connected and stressful world, taking care of your mind means taking care of your whole body. The right medical tests can uncover hidden causes, guide better treatment and give you clarity and peace of mind.
If you or someone you care about has been feeling off, take the first step today.
Book your health screening with Biopassion Diagnostics. Call or WhatsApp +254 704 150 555, or visit www.biopassiondiagnostics.com to schedule your test. Accurate results. Caring service. Your Health IS OUR PASSION.