Health experts say economic issues, including job loss, are a significant factor causing mental health issues to thousands of Ugandans.
Mental Health Uganda (MHU), an organization dedicated to mental health illness, has revealed through its hotlines that more women are contemplating suicide as compared to men.
According to MHU, they have registered about 4,000 calls through their hotlines in at least two years, of which 52 percent are men seeking counselling and 48 percent women.
“Women are contemplating suicide more, but men complete suicide about three times more than women. I don’t know if science has proven this, but what we see is that men, even in general health practice, disclose less,” said Daniel Lubanga, MHU program manager.
Lubanga added: “Men have fewer health-seeking behaviors, so women speak out more when they are struggling. They often have a friend or someone they can talk to, and although they are considering suicide, because they are talking to someone, they find hope for the next day.”
Most callers to the organization face various challenges, including unemployment, job loss, lost money to betting, and sexual harassment.
“Economic issues are a significant factor, and depression is often associated with these issues. Many of the calls we receive on the helpline are related to economic problems and job loss,” Lubanga said.
Earlier this month, Kampala Metropolitan police expressed concern over a sharp rise in suicide cases after four incidents were registered in a single day.
These occurred on June 3 in Bulenga, Katwe, and Kiira. Two individuals committed suicide by hanging, while one Asian man threw himself from a building.
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
MHU Executive Director Dr Derrick Kizza Mbuga appealed to government to decriminalize suicide.
“We request government and police officers to decriminalize suicide. People who attempt suicide are likely to be charged. They should remove it from the Penal Code Act,” said Dr Kizza.
He added: “I don’t know if a study has been done to see the impact of social media, but online bullying and harassment are major triggers for mental health problems, especially among young people.”
According to him, the closure of Democratic Governance Facility (DGF), which employed over 3,000 people directly and indirectly, is a significant contributor to mental illness.
Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that a life is lost every 40 seconds globally, with most deaths occurring among people aged between 15-29 years. Seventy-nine percent of these victims come from low-developed countries.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
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