Stigma and discrimination threatens mental health resilience and recovery among youths

By Ocen Daniel Comboni

Imagine a world where every individual feels fully supported in their mental health recovery journey at home, in school, and in the workplace.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding, reducing stigma, and encouraging meaningful conversations about mental well-being.

In 2025, Uganda still faces significant challenges in addressing the mental needs of people in the communities, with a large portion of those with mental illness receiving no adequate treatment due to inadequate funding.

This has contributed to a high prevalence of mental health disorders and a low percentage of individuals accessing professional medical care.

Globally, it is estimated that one in seven (14%) of 10–19-year-olds live with a mental health condition, yet these remain largely unrecognized and untreated.

The month of May also offers an opportunity for each of us to reflect on our roles in ensuring awareness and extending social support to those diagnosed with mental health conditions.

Unfortunately, in many communities, stigma surrounding mental illness persists. This often manifests in the form of inappropriate language, such as “lapoya/apoa” or “omulalu,” to mean mad person, often tied to misconceptions about the causes of mental illness.

Youths living with mental illness not only struggle with the symptoms of their conditions but also experience negative attitudes and discrimination.

In some communities, people affected by mental illness are still taken to the care of traditional healers, who, despite their cultural significance, may not possess the necessary knowledge to provide evidence-based treatment.

In addition, a lack of social support increases the risk of relapse, which may be accompanied by challenges such as suicidal ideation, aggression, and social withdrawal, among others.

For many years, limited awareness and inadequate access to accurate information and services have led communities to attribute mental health conditions to mystical or spiritual causes, rather than understanding them as medical and psychological challenges.

This month and going forward, community should collaborate to dismantle stigma and promote recovery by creating environments where mental health is valued and nurtured through inclusivity.

The author is a Community Psychologist, Project Officer Mental Health Uganda.