Substance Abuse Fuels Mental Health Crisis in Mbarara

Mental health is a condition that affects our thoughts and behaviour. It impacts every part of our life

Mbarara City is grappling with a surge in mental health disorders linked to substance abuse, with addiction, depression, and psychotic disorders becoming increasingly prevalent.

Experts warn that personal struggles, including marital conflicts, financial instability, and relationship breakdowns, are pushing individuals into depression and addiction.

“Mental health is a condition that affects our thoughts and behaviour. It impacts every part of our life,” says Dr. Ben

Wilson Okalang, from Kampala International University (KIU). He notes an alarming rise in mental health conditions such as depression, alcohol-induced psychotic disorders, and schizophrenia, largely fuelled by substance abuse.

Dr. Ben emphasises that mental illness often stems from a combination of factors, including physical disease, substance abuse, anxiety disorders, and genetics. The rise in cases highlights the urgent need for increased community support and professional intervention.

At Buhumururo Counselling Centre, the battle against addiction is ongoing. Over 50 people seek counselling and treatment services there each month, with more than 20 of these cases involving addiction to substance use.

“In a month, we receive over 20 people battling addiction, especially the youth,” says Kyalimpa Rose, Director of Buhumururo Counselling Centre. “These are individuals addicted to alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin. They are mostly adolescents and young adults,” she adds.

Kyalimpa points out that adults also struggle with addiction. She highlights that factors such as marital issues, financial problems, and relationship challenges are key triggers for depression, which often escalates into addiction.

To prevent this from escalating, one needs a counsellor to talk to.

“Each individual battling depression needs someone to listen to them to help them make informed decisions,” she emphasises.

Buhumururo is not just a place for counselling but a center for holistic rehabilitation. Individuals grappling with mental health issues are given the tools to rebuild their lives.

When we visited the facility, patients were watching a motivational movie as part of their recovery process. Music is also embraced as a therapeutic tool, with patients learning to play various musical instruments.

Additionally, tailoring classes are offered to equip individuals with practical skills they can use after recovery.

“Such activities give them hope and a sense of purpose, helping them stay focused on recovery,” says Kyalimpa.

For many, the road to addiction begins with personal heartbreak.

Richard Busweta, a father of four, recounts how his life unraveled. “I was working in Dubai in 2008,” he says. “Friends misled my wife, telling her I had another family. Yet, I was working tireless to support my family. I sent all my salary that is, shs 2.5 million home every month.”

When Richard returned to Uganda in 2019, he discovered there were no savings or accountability for the money he had sent. “I got disappointed and started drinking. I was a social drinker, but I began drinking excessively and taking drugs, smoking marijuana,” he shares.

The situation worsened after Richard separated from his wife, who took their children and all the property he had worked for over a decade. “This caused more stress and worsened my drinking and depression,” he adds.

Richard eventually sought help through counselling and began rebuilding his life. “Now, I have turned my life around,” he says, proudly noting that he has studied psychology and counselling. He counsels others battling addiction.

He has also ventured into agriculture, determined to regain financial stability and reconnect with his children.

His transformation underscores the importance of seeking help and the possibility of recovery.

The stories of individuals like Richard demonstrate, recovery is possible with the right resources and support. While the road to healing is long, the impact of counselling and skill-building programs offers a lifeline to those battling addiction and mental health disorders.