Our view: We need to ensure matters of mental health are given a high priority- and function well in our health systems.
Early this month, Kampala Metropolitan Police expressed concern over the sharp rise in suicide cases after four incidents were registered in a single day.
Soon after, another man was found hanging dead at Golf Course in Kampala. Simon Bakole, 47, a vendor at Nakasero market, was found hanging on a tree at around 7am.
To shade more light on the disturbing trend, experts this week revealed that more women were on the brink of suicide, although more men actually commit suicide.
Mental Health Uganda (MHU), an organization dedicated to mental health illness, said of about 4,000 calls they registered via their hotlines in at least two years, 52 percent are men seeking counselling and 48 percent women.
“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,” Mr Daniel Lubanga, the MHU program manager, said.
In the run-up to the World Mental Health Day late last year, the Health ministry released a report that left many in shock. Out of every three Ugandans, the report said, one is struggling with poor mental health.
What perhaps intrigued the public the most was that contrary to popular belief that only those we see moving around naked are mentally disturbed, many in the population have mental illnesses.
The report brought to the fore the fact that constant sadness, lack of sleep at night, sudden fear that cannot be explained, severe mood swings, engaging in fights and experiencing violence could all point towards mental illness.
Some of the stress factors triggering mental health challenges, the report said, include drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, poverty, head injuries resulting in loss of proper cognitive functioning, and stress arising from work, school, and personal relationships.
If we are going to tackle the issue of mental health, then we need to ramp up awareness within communities. This helps combat stigma and reduces discrimination associated with mental illness.
To supplement the national referral hospital in Butabika, we appreciate that the majority of the regional referral hospitals can now admit patients with mental illness. But the government should ensure we have trained people to deal with mental illness even at a health center..
Also individually, we need to pay attention to our mental health just as we watch other aspects of our health. But most importantly, we should ensure we do not break down other people’s mental health; be they subordinates at work, members of our families or neighbors in the communities.
Finally, we need to ensure matters of mental health are given a high priority – and function well – within our health systems.
#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
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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