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Mental health conditions have become very common everywhere in the world. However some societies especially in the African continent, most health and social systems neglect mental health and do not provide the care and support people need and deserve.
The lack of mental health services has resulted into millions of people around the world to suffer in silence, experience human rights violations or are negatively affected in their daily lives but this has to change. Research has shown us that transformation in mental health is possible. Using findings from research and practice, we can explore diverse options to deepen the value and commitment we give to mental health, to reshape environments that influence mental health, and to develop and strengthen community-based mental health services.
Mental health is an important part of our general health and well-being and a basic human right. Having good mental health means we are better able to connect, function, cope and thrive. Mental health exists on a complex continuum, with experiences ranging from an optimal state of well-being to debilitating states of great suffering and emotional pain. People with mental health conditions are more likely to experience lower levels of mental well-being, but this is not always or necessarily the case.
At any one time, a diverse set of individual, family, community and structural factors may combine to protect or undermine our mental health and shift our position on the mental health continuum. Some people have the ability to withstand and go on while other people especially those who are exposed to unfavorable circumstances – including poverty, violence and inequality – are at higher risk of experiencing mental health conditions. Risks can manifest themselves at all stages of life, but those that occur during developmentally sensitive periods, especially early childhood, are particularly detrimental.
Interest in and understanding of mental health has increased. Many countries have started establishing strengthened mental health policies or plans. Advocacy movements have amplified the voices of people with lived experience of mental health conditions. Informed by research, the field has advanced technically. Numerous practical, evidence-based mental health guidelines, manuals and other tools are now available for implementation.
In our community, there is lack of access to care, mental health services are very limited especially in the rural areas and this has made it difficult for people with mental health conditions to get the care they need. There’s also stigma and discrimination associated with mental health conditions which is also a barrier to care. A shortage of mental health professionals is another challenge facing the sector. In many parts of the world, there is a shortage of trained mental health professionals, which can lead to long wait times for care and a lack of access to specialized services.
With the challenges being faced in the mental health sector, we have established the iMental Foundation through which we hope to solve some of these challenges and promote better mental health especially amongst the students and the children in refugee settlements. Other members on the founding team are Mr. Keynes Naleeba and Dr. Elias Baguma, a clinical psychologist in Bushenyi district. With the help of fellow students like Shalom Omondo, Tusiime Antonio among others, we have successfully established a mental health club at Kampala International University Western Campus.
Jonah Kirumira
Medical Student and Mental Health Advocate.
Co-founder iMental Foundation.
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