'Prioritize mental health at your work place'

Born-Again Christians (Balokole) have rallied Ugandans to join in the fight against mental illness.

Under their umbrella organization Confederation of Pentecostal and Evangelical ministries (COPE), the group said people need encouragement to maintain good mental health.

Dr Lamech Lumala, a pastor at Showers of Blessings Church, said there is need to balance the spiritual and physical aspect of life so that Christians don’t lose hope when God takes long to answer their prayers.

He said some pastors concentrate on the spiritual aspect to the extent that believers are prevented from seeking medical help and counseling when they slip into depression.
Lumala said poor mental health sucks the spirit of productivity out of the affected people.

His were among the comments made during the commemoration of World Mental Health Day in Kampala on Friday (October 25).

The celebrations were themed around prioritizing mental health in the workplace.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report of 2017, Uganda is ranked among the six top African countries in rates of depression disorders at 4.6%.

The report said 5.1% of females and 3.6% of males in Uganda are affected by depression and anxiety.

In 2022, a report by the Uganda Counselling Association and the health ministry said 14 million Ugandans suffer from a form of mental disorder.

That meant that every 35 out of 100 Ugandans you meet may be battling a mental health problem.

Joseph Kizito, the general secretary of COPE, spoke of the need to sensitize Ugandans on mental health to prevent depression and stress.

Caleb Serunjogi, the national mobilizer of COPE, said that due to depression, some people develop hypertension (high blood pressure) and migraine (severe headache), among other health issues.

Stress at the job

In her keynote address on Friday, Goldy Oboma — CEO of Goldys Group Holdings — said that over $51 billion (sh187.4 trillion) is spent globally on wellness being, according to the WHO 2023/24 report.

The report indicates that 76% of workers are stressed due to poor management practices at workplace.

Commissioner Human Resources at the Ministry of Health Annet Musinguzi (in red dress) with the director of Butabika Hospital Dr Julliet Naku (third left) and Members of Parliament during celebrations to mark World Mental Health Day in Kampala on October 25, 2024. (Credit: Francis Emorut)

Oboma said some organizations have toxic culture or lack policies on mental health, driving workers into stressful situations and even depression.

"Depression is like cancer. It has no pain and causes some people to commit suicide. We need to open our eyes. Mental health is real," said the chief executive.

UN health agency WHO says promoting and protecting mental health at work "is a growing area of interest", which can be supported through legislation and regulation, organizational strategies, manager training and interventions for workers.

'Prioritize mental health'

Annet Musinguzi, the commissioner human resources at the health ministry, urged managers to integrate the mental health component in their policies.

“It is time to prioritize mental health at workplace,” she said.

Turning to parents, Musinguzi advised them to find time for their children, saying the home environment is the foundation of good mental health.

She said the majority of children found in rehabilitation centres are a result of their parents' failure to instil good behaviour in them, which draws them into the world of drugs and other toxic substances.

Dr Juliet Nakku, the executive director of Butabika Hospital, emphasized the need for the youth to remain active by working as this helps to reduce the likelihood of getting mental disorders.

Dr Hasfa Lukwata, the assistant commissioner in charge of mental health and substance abuse at the health ministry, said mental disorders are worsened when those affected seek help from traditional healers/witchdoctors instead of turning to professional counsellors. 

The World Mental Health Day celebrations featured a procession through the streets of Kampala city.

Here, participants held up placards bearing encouraging messages on mental health: "Mental health matters", “Your illness doesn’t define you, your strength and courage matters", “Mental health is a global burden, you’re not alone in this", etc.

They marched from Shimoni Road through Siad Barre Avenue, Jinja Road to Yusuf Lule Road and back to the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) gardens — the venue of the event.