By Norbert Mao
Stigma has been identified as the primary factor preventing people from seeking professional mental health assistance in many parts of Northern Uganda, despite the increasing number of individuals experiencing psychological challenges.
Suzan Akwii, a mental health expert, clinical psychologist, and Executive Director of Well Nest International, a private organization offering mental health services in Gulu city has confirmed reports showing that stigma contributes to nearly 80% of the factors that hinder individuals experiencing mental health challenges from accessing care.
Speaking to Mega FM , Akwii explained that fear of being judged, labeled, or misunderstood has often forced many people to suffer in silence noting that many individuals battling anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, and other psychological conditions avoid seeking help because they worry about how family members, friends, employers, and the wider community will perceive them.
Akwii said the consequences of stigma are severe, as delays in seeking treatment can worsen symptoms and lead to complications such as relationship breakdowns, poor work performance, substance dependence, and in extreme cases, self-harm.
Health advocates continue to stress that reducing stigma is key to improving access to care and ensuring that those in need receive timely support.
Current data from the Uganda Association of Psychiatrists (UAP) a dynamic organization comprising psychiatrists and mental health professionals committed to promoting mental well-being and advocating for the highest standards of psychiatric care in Uganda shows that approximately 24.2% of adults and 22.9% of children in Uganda live with some form of mental illness, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Depression and anxiety disorders affect about one in four Ugandans, with depression prevalence estimated at 30.2% among various populations and anxiety disorders at 22.2% among adults.
These figures come from systematic reviews and national surveys that reveal a silent epidemic affecting both urban and rural communities alike.
