On May 13th, 2022, an article in The New Vision, one of Uganda’s Newspapers, reported that according to the latest news from the Uganda Counselling Association and the Ministry of Health, an estimated 14 million  (35 out of 100) Ugandans have Mental Illness.

In addition, the number of suicides from January to May 2020 was higher than the number of suicides in 2019. Also, the statistics obtained from people who reported to Health facilities with acute conditions were low. Because seeking help from a mental health expert is costly, we can only assume that a considerable number of people out there haven’t yet sought professional help; hence they’re not included in the statistics. 

What has led to the growing Number of Suicide because of Mental Illness?

• The difficulty to access the required professional help due to the costs being high. The average cost of consulting a psychiatrist is about $20, yet many Ugandans earn $2 only per day. With the current economic conditions, one may be unable to afford to see one. They may feel that that money is best used for other necessities like food.

• The stigma surrounding mental illness, too, has contributed to the growing number of suicides. Many Ugandans have a negative view of anyone with any mental illness, thus making it hard for the sufferers to seek help. Even visiting or being admitted to the most commonly known Mental health Hospital, Butabiika Hospital, is enough for one to lose respect from the community.

• Most Ugandans have grown up in families where there are not shown any love by their parents. It is an abomination to speak up when suffering from any Mental Illness. Sadly many find themselves with no one to talk to or to encourage them to seek help.

What can we do better to help the sufferers?

• Seeking professional help should be made less costly and more accessible for anyone with any mental Illness. Health care should not be as expensive as it is; one sometimes has to choose whether to spend on it or food.

• Sensitization of the public regarding mental illness is needed too. Perhaps if most people supported those with mental illness, many would be encouraged to seek professional help.

• With the widespread use of the internet and technology, those providing help to sufferers should use technology to talk and help them out. Many today have smartphones, so perhaps they could have online consultations, thus making it less nerve-wracking to seek help.

Mental illness is a serious issue not only in Uganda but in the entire world. Now is the time for us to do all we can to support any who may be suffering from it. Let us join our hands together and stop the stigma surrounding mental illness.