Rising Mental Health Cases in Lango Raise Concern Among Health Workers

Health workers in the Lango Sub-region have raised concern over the increasing number of mental health cases being reported in communities, calling for greater awareness, early intervention and support for people experiencing depression and other psychological challenges.

The concern was highlighted during a community sensitisation programme organised by health workers to educate members of the public on depression, its causes, warning signs and ways of managing it.

Dr. Ivan Asiira, who addressed participants during the programme, urged community members not to ignore unusual changes in their emotional or mental well-being, particularly after experiencing difficult situations or major losses.

“Whenever you feel strange or out of place, or when you are going through a serious loss, always endeavour to seek medical help or get someone to talk to,” Dr. Asiira said.

He encouraged people to speak openly about their experiences rather than keeping difficult emotions to themselves. According to him, seeking help early can play an important role in preventing mental health challenges from becoming more serious.

The increasing cases have become a major concern among medical workers in the region, who say mental health requires the same attention given to physical health.

Dr. Amirra Katrina, another doctor who treats mental health cases, said the causes of mental health challenges are no longer limited to drug and substance abuse. She pointed to depression as another significant factor affecting people's mental well-being.

“It is no longer only drugs causing mental health issues, but also depression,” Dr. Katrina said. “Depression is caused by so many issues, and if it is not managed at an early stage, it can lead to serious mental health problems.”

She explained that depression can be associated with different challenges, including financial difficulties, family problems, relationship breakdowns, unemployment, trauma, grief and prolonged stress.

Health workers are therefore encouraging communities in Lango to pay attention to changes in behaviour and emotional well-being and to support people who may be struggling.

They also warned against stigma and isolation, saying that negative attitudes towards people with mental health conditions can discourage them from seeking medical attention.

Community members have been encouraged to seek professional medical assistance when they experience persistent emotional distress, unusual behaviour or difficulty coping with major life changes. They have also been urged to talk to trusted family members, friends, counsellors or health workers.

The sensitisation programme is part of efforts by health workers to increase public understanding of mental health and promote early intervention across the Lango Sub-region.

Health workers say creating an environment where people can openly discuss depression, grief, stress and other emotional challenges could help communities identify cases earlier and ensure that affected individuals receive appropriate support and care.