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The Hidden Struggle: Understanding Suicide in Uganda
Suicide is often misunderstood as a mental illness, but it is more accurately described as a loud cry of unspoken pain. It is a symptom of an unseen battle that many individuals face internally, often without anyone noticing or understanding.
In Uganda, the rising number of suicide attempts reflects a deepening mental health crisis. This crisis is fueled by various factors, including societal pressures, undiagnosed psychological conditions, and a culture that discourages open conversations about emotional distress.
For Juma, a young Ugandan man, the journey into depression was not sudden but gradual. Over time, the weight of his struggles became unbearable. “When I reached out to friends, they dismissed my pain as a small matter,” he recalls. “Yet to me, it was everything.”
Feeling unheard and misunderstood, Juma’s thoughts spiraled into dark places. However, instead of following through with suicide, he made a life-saving decision—calling a counsellor. His story highlights the importance of seeking help, even when it feels like no one understands.
According to Hillary Irimaso, a psychiatrist, suicide attempts are rarely impulsive. “Suicide is not a mental illness, but it is often a sign of an underlying psychological or mental health issue,” he explains. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis can significantly increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
“Social pressures, even without a diagnosed mental illness, can also make someone feel like suicide is the only way out,” Irimaso adds. In a society where emotional distress is often overlooked or stigmatized, many individuals suffer in silence.
Uganda’s mental health infrastructure remains underdeveloped, and discussions around emotional well-being are frequently met with dismissal or stigma. “There is a lot of stigma around mental illness,” Irimaso says. “Self-stigma is just as harmful. People fear being seen as weak, so they bottle everything up. This only deepens the hole they’re in.”
He emphasizes that warning signs are often visible if we care enough to look. “Someone who is thinking of taking their own life will often dwell on it, even talking about death or preparing for it through notes or wills,” he says. “One of the earliest signs is when someone begins to talk about their own death. These conversations should never be taken lightly.”
Beyond clinical explanations, the day-to-day pressures of life—unmet family expectations, joblessness, isolation, and relationship breakdowns—can weigh heavily on individuals. In a society where vulnerability is often seen as weakness, many choose to suffer in silence, fearing judgment or rejection.
“What people need is empathy,” Irimaso emphasizes. “If we could understand people from the perspective they are in without judging or downplaying their concerns, we would be in a better position to offer meaningful help. If you can’t help directly, refer them to someone who can.”
Mental health advocates are urging Ugandans to normalize conversations about mental wellbeing and to treat emotional distress as seriously as any physical illness. Support systems, whether formal or informal, must be strengthened to provide adequate care and resources.
For those struggling, Irimaso offers hope: “Having someone who understands you, does not judge you, and helps you get the support you need can make all the difference.” His message underscores the importance of community, compassion, and access to mental health services.
By addressing the root causes of emotional distress and fostering a culture of openness and support, Uganda can begin to tackle its mental health crisis. It starts with listening, understanding, and providing the necessary resources to those in need.
