Editorial
State House’s National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC) has launched mental health awareness lessons for its staff in a move aimed at promoting wellbeing and addressing the growing mental health challenges among the Ugandan youth.
Speaking during the first session on Saturday, the Commissioner- NSPC, Ms. Hellen Seku urged families across Uganda to stop attributing children’s struggles to witchcraft and instead recognize mental health as a serious issue that requires proper attention and support.
Ms. Seku noted that many young people are silently battling mental health conditions and that society must confront the problem with openness and understanding.
She also commended the staff of the NSPC for participating in the awareness session, emphasizing that such engagements are important in building supportive workplaces.
Mental health experts say the initiative comes at a time when mental health disorders among youth are becoming increasingly common.
According to Ms. Florence Namyaalo, a Psychiatric Clinical and Public Health Officer with the Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Uganda, the problem is both national and global.
Ms. Namyaalo explained that worldwide, between 15 and 20 percent of young people experience mental health challenges.
A recent report by the Ministry of Health-Uganda, indicates that about 191,000 youth in the Buganda sub-region are living with mental health conditions, with urban areas such as Kampala recording higher cases compared to other parts of the country.
Health professionals attribute the rise in mental health problems to several factors, including unemployment, family conflicts and relationship challenges.
Experts recommend simple steps to protect mental wellbeing, including getting adequate sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise and seeking support from family, friends or community groups.
