Mental health crisis strikes adolescents

MBALE - Jude Mike Mudoma III, the leader of the Inzu Ya Masaaba cultural institution, has raised concerns over the rising cases of emotional disorders, stress and anxiety among adolescents in the Bugisu sub-region. 

Speaking during a meeting with district health officers, chairpersons and chief administrative officers from six districts in Mbale city, Mudoma underscored the urgent need for government intervention to address the growing mental health crisis. 

According to data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Bugisu ranks second in Uganda for emotional disorders, stress and anxiety. 

He noted that anxiety disorders, ranging from panic attacks to excessive worry, are increasingly prevalent among adolescents aged 10–19 years. 

“Records indicate that 4.4% of adolescents aged 10–14 and 5.5% of those aged 15–19 experience anxiety disorders. Depression affects 1.4% of adolescents aged 10–14 and 3.5% of those aged 15–19,” Mudoma stated. 

He said depression and anxiety often present overlapping symptoms, including sudden mood swings, exacerbating mental health challenges among young people. 

Mudoma attributed the high prevalence of mental health disorders to extreme poverty and substance abuse. He emphasised that many families in Bugisu struggle to afford necessities, such as food, education, and healthcare, fuelling mental distress. 

“People in my community once had food and money, but now many cannot even afford to educate their children or provide for their families. This has become a nightmare, leading to mental disorientation,” Mudoma added. 

Mudoma called on the health ministry to address the rising mental health crisis in the sub-region. He also encouraged expectant mothers to attend antenatal services and urged men to accompany their wives to health facilities for the appointments. 

“Maternal health is equally important and we must ensure that mothers and their unborn children receive the care they need,” he said.

Creating awareness  

In response to the growing crisis, Partnership Overseas Networking Trust launched its first mental health awareness course in February 2023. 

Eighty mental health professionals were trained to identify and address mental illnesses, focusing on reducing stigma and promoting compassionate care. 

The initiative aims to train 1,200 community health workers across the region, equipping them to support individuals struggling with anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges. 

“Anxiety and depressive disorders can profoundly affect school attendance, social interactions and overall well-being. We must act now to prevent further suffering,” Mbale district health officer Jonathan Wangisi said.