Mental Health Difficulties among the Youth in Uganda - Kairos Healthcare

Did you know that Uganda ranks sixth in Africa with a 2.9% incidence of anxiety disorders among its population, according to the WHO’s 2017 study? Moreover, the Plos Journal prevalence cited above 2.9% anxiety and 3 out 10 people depressed. Anxiety, substance addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal thoughts and actions are some of the common mental health problems among young people in Uganda.

Despite being a common problem, 90% of mental health issues go untreated. This is because the majority of individuals suffering from mental health disorders do not have access to adequate mental health care. Access to mental health care services is hindered by availability of facilities offering these services, high costs, and a pervasive stigma that discourages those seeking assistance.

Generally in Uganda, cultural norms surrounding masculinity frequently prohibit males from expressing vulnerability or asking for emotional assistance, which puts up hurdles to having an open conversation about mental health issues.

Mental health issues disrupt ability to function normally in various aspects of life including school, work, family and personal relationships and may eventually lead to suicide. Suicide accounts for more than one in every 100 deaths worldwide (WHO World Mental Health Report 2022). Uganda is not far off with suicide being one of the leading causes of death for young people (15–29 years old). According to 2019 New Vision report, 10 out of every 100 Ugandans take their own lives each year, with a worryingly increasing rate among teenagers. Men are particularly vulnerable with the Nile Post recently reporting men are three times more likely than women to commit suicide, with the 20–40 age range being the most affected. Men tend to be the most successful at suicide due to the aggressive and violent means they use.

Depression, anxiety and suicidal ideas may be triggered by economic issues arising from a range of issues such the harsh realities of the post Covid 19 economy, global rise in cost of living expenses resulting in joblessness and/or low pay. Climate change with resultant torrential downpours, floods, mudslides leading to loss of homes, businesses, and lives is another major contributor to prevailing mental health problems.

Frontline Factors contributing to the mental health crisis among youth:

Poverty: People who live in poverty might not have the money for medical care or transportation to a hospital.
Social media pressure: Some experts claim that social media tends to encourage unpleasant experiences, such as feelings of inadequacy about one’s life or appearance. Anxiety and despair can occasionally be brought on by the perception that other people are happier or have better lives.
Family dynamics: A variety of behavioral issues and mental health diseases, including as substance abuse, aggression, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, are more likely to arise in children who have experienced adverse childhood events, including exposure to violence.
Cultural expectations: Men are generally discouraged by society from showing emotional support or weakness, which makes it difficult to talk freely about mental health difficulties.

It is critical that the nation and its youth understand that mental health issues are serious and that anyone might experience them. Therefore there is a need for increased mental health awareness, education, and access to mental health treatments. By recognizing the significance of mental health, we can endeavor to create a healthier and encouraging atmosphere for young people in Uganda. Health is not simply absence of disease but also social and mental well-being among others-World health organization (WHO).

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By Kairos Healthcare

Reviewed by Dr. Alex Mayanja