The Rising Tide of Youth Mental Health Concerns

The initiative, commemorating World Mental Health Day, began with a vibrant awareness march through Kakiri town, visually highlighting the importance of prioritizing mental health. Hosted by Mount Olives College Kakiri (MOCK), the dialogue centered on the theme “Access to Mental Health Services: Improving Well-being in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” Students from Balibaseka SS, Mount of Olives College Kakiri, St. Charles Lwanga International SS, and St. Mbaaga’s College Naddangira SS shared their experiences and perspectives on the impact of disasters – both large-scale events and those occurring within the school environment.

The COVID-19 pandemic served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of youth mental health. Mr. Juma Joseph, a Project Officer with MHU’s Youth Mental Health Project, explained how the pandemic underscored the critical need for accessible mental health services for young people and other vulnerable populations. A needs assessment conducted by SOS CV during the pandemic revealed that a staggering 64.5% of youth in Gulu and Wakiso experienced mental health challenges following the outbreak. This assessment pinpointed significant barriers to care, including a lack of awareness about available resources, geographical limitations, and financial constraints.

Data from MHU’s national toll-free line in April 2022 further illustrated the scope of the problem, with anxiety accounting for 54% of all calls. These anxieties are compounded by long-standing issues such as the lingering effects of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) conflict in Northern Uganda, substance abuse among youth in Wakiso and Gulu, and pervasive mental health stigma throughout the country. These insights directly informed the development of a peer-led mental health initiative implemented in eight schools across Wakiso District and Gulu City.

Mr. Juma observed that the project’s emphasis on raising awareness and providing psychosocial support within schools and communities has demonstrably empowered youth, fostered resilience, improved academic performance, and encouraged positive behavioral changes. These positive outcomes reinforce the urgent need to prioritize youth mental health in both educational and community settings. The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of early intervention in addressing mental health challenges.

However, emerging pressures are adding to the burden on young people’s mental well-being. Intense academic expectations, driven by a societal emphasis on science subjects and perceived career opportunities, are creating significant stress. Furthermore, increased exposure to social media and digital devices introduces new sources of anxiety and comparison.

The Ugandan government has taken steps to address these concerns, enacting the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Policy Guidelines (2017) and issuing Circular 20 in 2022, which prioritizes mental health education in learning institutions. While these policies provide a crucial framework, their implementation remains hampered by limited awareness and insufficient support for schools and stakeholders. Stronger dissemination and accountability mechanisms are essential to ensure these policies translate into tangible improvements in youth mental health.

A Call for Supportive Environments and Open Dialogue

Mrs. Regina Laboke, Principal of Mount Olives College Kakiri, underscored the importance of creating supportive school environments where students feel safe discussing their emotions and seeking help. She emphasized that mental health is just as vital as physical health, and credited the project with significantly raising awareness among students and staff. “We must break down the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage open conversations,” she stated.

Mr. Derrick M. Kizza, Executive Director of Mental Health Uganda, highlighted the often-overlooked mental health needs during crises. He emphasized the profound psychological impact of emergencies – trauma, displacement, and loss – and called for the integration of mental health services into emergency response plans and the strengthening of community support networks.

Mr. Kizza urged the public to foster open dialogue, promote coping strategies, and build resilience. “We must work together to create a world where mental health is prioritized and everyone has access to the support they need,” he concluded. But what specific steps can schools take *today* to better support their students’ mental well-being? And how can communities work together to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health challenges?

UNICEF’s resources on adolescent mental health offer valuable insights and guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Youth Mental Health in Uganda