A Step Toward Change: Highlights from the Generational Perspective Dialogue on Mental Health
On World Mental Health Day (10th October 2024), the Generational Perspective Dialogue organised by Awesome Mind Speaks brought together over 232 participants, including youth, policymakers, mental health professionals, and community leaders, to tackle the pressing mental health challenges faced by Uganda's young people. The event's theme aligned with the World Mental Health Day 2024 focus on 'Mental Health at the Workplace', acknowledging the increasing importance of mental health support in all aspects of life, including work and education. Hosted in an informal setting to encourage open conversations, the event provided a platform for young voices to be heard and allowed key stakeholders to collaborate on sustainable solutions. Not only did the dialogue address local mental health issues, but it also contributed to global mental health trends, positioning Uganda’s youth as part of the larger movement aimed at redefining mental health support for the younger generation.
Setting the Stage for Candid Conversations
Representatives from Uganda's Ministry of Education, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Ministry of Health, and United for Global Mental Health were present alongside civil society organisations, media outlets, and influencers, who played a role in amplifying the dialogue through digital engagement. The participation of these diverse stakeholders showcased a united front to address mental health as a critical concern for youth development and workplace well-being.
Notable panellists such as Anne Lumbasi from the Centre for Health, Human Rights and Development, Dr. Henry Nsubuga from Makerere University, and Faith Nassozi Kyateka from United for Global Mental Health offered essential insights that opened up deep discussions on how Uganda can effectively tackle mental health issues among young people, particularly in settings like schools and workplaces. Topics covered included stigma, integrating mental health into youth and professional services, and ensuring culturally relevant approaches.
The informal venue and the favourable weather contributed to a relaxed atmosphere that encouraged participation. This aligned with my vision of making mental health easy to understand, accessible, approachable, and stigma-free for young people. Participants expressed appreciation for the safe space created to share their thoughts openly, feeling both validated and heard.
Contributing to Global Mental Health Trends
This dialogue, held on World Mental Health Day, aligns with the global movement to shift the narrative surrounding youth mental health, with a specific focus on the workplace in 2024. As mental health challenges rise globally, particularly among the youth, discussions like these play a vital role in reversing alarming trends. The dialogue demonstrated how localised efforts can make a significant contribution to global solutions. It emphasised the need for culturally contextual interventions to empower young people to reclaim their mental health narratives, with the event’s message resonating strongly: "Today, we're not just talking about mental health; we're reclaiming our narrative and shaping our future."
Changing the Trajectory of Youth Mental Health
A key outcome of the dialogue was the need to transform how young people engage with mental health conversations, both in personal and professional spaces. In Uganda, as in many other countries, stigma still prevents open discussions on mental health. The dialogue revealed that the "three T’s"—don’t talk, don’t trust, and don’t take action—are significant barriers to addressing mental health problems in communities and workplaces.
By fostering a space where young people could express themselves without fear of judgement, the dialogue changed how participants related to mental health. There was a clear call to normalise mental health discussions and to build environments, both locally and globally, where young people feel empowered to seek support. This change is essential in breaking down barriers of stigma and isolation, both in personal life and within professional settings like schools and workplaces.
Key Issues Addressed
Among the significant challenges highlighted during the dialogue was the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly when linked to sexual and reproductive health. Many young people, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, felt isolated and stigmatised, further exacerbating their mental health challenges.
Cultural context also emerged as a significant barrier, with the "three T’s" limiting open conversations about mental health. The dialogue stressed the importance of adopting culturally relevant approaches to foster trust and openness in mental health discussions, especially in settings like workplaces and schools, where young people spend much of their time.
Looking Ahead: Recommendations for Future Dialogues
To sustain the momentum generated by this event, quarterly dialogues across different communities are recommended to ensure that mental health discussions reach more young people consistently.
Partnerships across government, private sector, and NGOs are essential to ensure the success and sustainability of these dialogues.This will include collaborations with key stakeholders like the Ministry of Education to sensitise communities and school management on their roles in promoting mental health of young people.
Future dialogues should continue to prioritise extended discussions, culturally relevant approaches, and inclusive planning to keep them impactful and accessible to everyone.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The Generational Perspective Dialogue, held on World Mental Health Day, marked a significant step in advancing youth mental health in Uganda, connecting local efforts with global mental health trends. It emphasised the importance of mental health at the workplace, aligning with the global theme and calling for proactive action to make mental health support accessible in all spheres of life. It is crucial for stakeholders to keep supporting these dialogues by integrating them into future programs and funding. By continuing to foster open conversations, reduce stigma, and prioritise mental health in youth services, we can change the trajectory of mental health for young people—not only in Uganda but globally.
Now is the time to act. Let us create a world where every young person feels supported and empowered to thrive mentally, emotionally, and socially. Together, we can shape a future where mental health is a priority for all.