October 10th 2020 was this year’s world interational day to commemorate Mental Health. In Uganda, part of the events were at Lungujja based Mental Health Uganda where various Psychologists and Mental Health ‘Champions’ spoke out to the public about their experiences and gave advice.
While emphasising that it is okay not to be okay, the Pyschologists and Panelists appealed to young people not to suffer in silence and let negative mental health have the best of them.
The Panelists also called upon the government and policy makers to heed the UN Call for Investment in Mental Health saying the statistics are against the pace of our leaders as regards tackling the problem.
“One in every four is likely to suffer effects of Mental Health. It is one of the most important public health concerns but the pace of our laws and policies doesn’t favour it.” One of the panelists, Ms Sarah Tushemereirwe said.
Speaking to Campus Bee, Derrick Mugabe, a staff with Mental Health Uganda said that their programs go as far as reaching out to even university students and other school going children because they are also at risk of negative mental health.
“In the past (before coronavirus) we would set camp in different universities and send out champions to reach out to students and inform them about mental health and how best they can ensure its negative effects don’t affect them.” Mugabe said.
However, with restrictions in gatherings, he said that they have resorted to free online counselling to ensure that the people affected still get their services.
He appealed to all young people to ensure they don’t suffer with mental health when there are people that care about them and would gladly see them through whatever would be bothering them.
“+256-392-178-953 – you can call us on that number or email us at info@mentalhealthuganda.org with all your concerns and we will find ways of helping you out.” Mugabe added.
Mental Health Uganda (MHU) is an indigenous, Non- Government, membership based Disabled People’s organization, established in 1997 and officially registered as National NGO in 2001. This was in response to the overwhelming marginalization, isolation and abuse of rights of persons with psycho-social disabilities/users of psychiatry services, and their families.
