MENTAL HEALTH IN UGANDA
Young people’s mental health has reached a crisis point, with cases of depression among the youth increasing significantly over the past years. Half of all mental health problems manifest by the age of 14, with 75% by the age of 24.
The rising cases of suicide especially among the youth in our country raise a question as to the state of mental health in our country.Mental Health services are so understaffed and there is no money to hire the man power necessary.
Suicide and substance abuse have been on the rise. In recent times, several university students are reported to have committed suicide for various reasons like relationships issues,depression among others. Research also shows that the highest number of admissions in the Alcohol and Drug Unit at the National Mental Referral Hospital at Butabika is that of students at higher institutions of learning.
Youth unemployment and poverty have to be dealt with seriously if young people are to be helped out of the challenges of mental health.
We at the Youth Baraza, offer a platform for issues such as these to be discussed. We hope that in turn young people are empowered with the knowledge necessary to make their lives better and overcome such challenges.
We also call upon government to invest more in mental health care, eradication of poverty and educating the youth about mental health.
LINDA ATUHAIRE
President @Youth Baraza
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