We take care of our hair, brush our teeth, take a bathe, go to hospital when we are sick but we often ignore seeking mental health services. When having psychological challenges, emotional pains, growth needs, relationship challenges we want to bury them under the sand. Mental health has often been stigmatized in spite of its usefulness in driving the body. It is even harder for the children, people living in rural areas, the physically impaired, the poor, the old to receive mental health services.
Makerere University Counselling and Guidance Centre has endeavored to address challenges of stigma, discrimination, lack of awareness and access by the Makerere University Community. You can access counselling services physically at the Counselling and Guidance Centre on Mary Stuart Road opposite Mary Stuart Hall or virtually via the UniCare App.
The mind and body are connected. In fact, the body functions better with a healthy mind. Yet the mind is often neglected. The statement Mens sana in corpore sano “A healthy mind in a health body” summarizes all that must be done to ensure that individuals have optimal physical and mental health to reap the benefits of mental health fitness which include increased productivity, creativity, optimism, increase in focus and memory, increase in processing speed and ability to develop new and productive habits.
Finally, let each one of us promote mental health by starting with themselves. Don’t fear to seek for help because normal people like you and me are the ones who are meant to receive mental health services. Emotional, psychological breakdown is normal. Mental illness is like any other illnesses that we take to health facilities to treat. Support those with mental health challenges instead of judging and discriminating them. Teach others about mental health. Finally, do all that you can to ensure mental health hygiene. Just like flue or Covid-19, mental health good or bad is contagious. If one of us is not okay and is not supported they will contaminate and affect others. Taking care of others, being concerned about others mental health is being concerned about ours too. When there is good mental health in the community everyone benefits and so we are happy and thrive. Happy mental health day.
Henry Nsubuga
Manager, Counselling and Guidance Centre,
Plot 106, Mary Stuart Road (Opposite Mary Stuart Hall),
Makerere University
Email: henry.nsubuga[at]mak.ac.ug
Tel: +256-772-558022