The permanent secretary of the ministry of Health,Dr.Diana Atwine has emphasized the importance of mental health in all spheres of our lives and the use of integrated approach when dealing with mental health cases.
She was addressing mental health proffesionals during the mental health annual conference at Silver springs hotel in Kampala under the theme proffesionalism in mental health.
The integrated approach to mental health is a comprehensive approach to mental wellness combining conventional therapies with complimentary treatments to address the whole person, mind, body and spirit.
Integrated approach combines therapy and medication with alternative modalities by focusing on root causes not just symptoms.
" I cannot over emphasize the importance of mental health especially when it's affected, everything will be affected and also a person's mental health should be protected, said Dr. Atwine.
"Proffesionalism and confidentiality are intertwined and this is what you're to supposed to base on while dealing with mental health, added Diana Atwine.
Uganda is facing a growing mental health crisis with approximately 24% of adults and 23% of children experiencing mental health conditions driven by economic hardships, high unemployment and substance abuse with so many cases being reported at health facilities.
The common cases of mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression heavily impacting both adults and children, high pressure academic environments such as A-level and youth unemployment contribute to psychological and emotional strain.
The other causes of mental health are school fees situation and financial stressful condition.
The government of Uganda has taken measures and steps to address mental health challenges through implementation of mental health act and introducing mental health gap action programme.
