Spousal disrespect, job loss fuelling mental illness in men

Among the factors fuelling mental health in men is spousal disrespect and job loss, New Vision Online has learnt.

“After losing their jobs, men often feel inferior when they are unable to provide for their families. Traditionally, men are expected to be strong providers, and when they fail, they end up in depression. Sometimes it begins with anxiety as they start worrying and feeling isolated,” Muzamiru Kaibo, a social worker and counsellor at Mental Health Uganda (MHU), a non-government organisation, says.

Kaibo adds that many men who call the MHU helpline report experiencing disrespect from their spouses, adding that the organisation receives about 25 phone calls daily, amounting to 750 calls per month, from men seeking counselling services, especially over depression.

Whereas some of the mental disorders require treatment offered by professional practitioners, Dr Hafsa Lukwata, the then acting commissioner in charge of mental health and substance abuse at the health ministry, said the bulk of the population has resorted to seeking help from religious leaders and witchdoctors, which instead worsens their problem.

Low pay, home stress fuelling mental illness 

Low salaries, home-related stress, heavy workload and shift work are also part of the cocktail contributing to rising cases of mental illness.

“The cost of living has increased, and everything is expensive. When someone earns a salary that cannot sustain them for a month, they resort to borrowing. Managing debts creates stress, and this is why many people develop depression,” Dr Hafsa Lukwata Sentongo, the acting commissioner for mental health and control of substance use at the health ministry, says.

She urges employers to offer fair payments based on the work done by employees.

“Even if employers don't have a lot of money, there are non-monetary ways to show appreciation. Saying 'thank you' or providing food or clothing can make a difference. There's a large gap between the rich and the poor. While the wealthy have more than enough, the poor have nothing,” Lukwata remarked during the National Mental Health Day commemoration early this month.

The event was held under the theme: It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.

Lukwata said over 28% of the population is dealing with depression.

''Many individuals may not even realise they are depressed until they undergo a mental health assessment,'' she said.

Dr Juliet Nakku, the executive director of Butabika National Referral Hospital, emphasized the importance of promoting healthy work environments to maintain productivity, noting that people spend more than half of their lives at work.

“Studies show that over 30% of workers in some sectors, especially health settings struggle with mental health challenges of various forms. In some professions, like teaching and law, the rate is even higher, reaching up to 60%,” she said.

Nakku explained that mental health challenges are not limited to office environments, but affect workers in any setting.

She pointed out that personal stress from home often spills over to the workplace, negatively impacting an employee’s well-being. “Many workers come to work already burdened by existing or looming problems at home.”

Nakku also noted that organisational factors, heavy workload and shift work contribute to mental health problems, particularly when work schedules conflict with natural sleep cycles.

“Shift work, which is common among healthcare workers, disrupts the body's diurnal rhythm, which is essential for regulating sleep. The body needs rest at specific times to function properly the next day. When this rhythm is disrupted, it can lead to mental health challenges,” Nakku explained.

Alcohol use

Lukwata noted that while some people consume alcohol for enjoyment, many use it as a coping mechanism for mental health challenges.

“Many people have told us they drink to cope with the problems they face,” she said.

Between June and December last year, 25,878 patients were attended to in the alcohol and drug unit of Butabika National Referral Hospital, while 25,878 were attended to in the general outpatient clinic.

The cost of mental health conditions (and related consequences) is projected to rise to $6 trillion globally by 2030, from $2.5 trillion in 2010, according to a study published by the World Economic Forum and the Harvard School of Public Health.

In Uganda, statistics from the health ministry and the Uganda Counselling Association revealed that an estimated 14 million Ugandans suffer from a form of mental disorder. This meant that every 35 out of 100 Ugandans you meet may be battling a mental health problem.

Recommendations

Nakku called on supervisors to understand their employees' struggles, be mindful of their personal circumstances, and offer timely support to prevent mental health deterioration.

She also stressed the need for employers to promote mental health awareness by organising expert-led programmes and providing facilities that support mental well-being, such as rest spaces.

Additionally, Nakku recommended promoting active lifestyles by offering opportunities for physical activity to support both mental and physical health.

Annet Musinguzi, the commissioner for human resource at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the need for proactive government efforts to address mental health.

“There are health and wellness programmes in place, but this issue needs to be mainstreamed to ensure affirmative action for all staff and managers. This will help us build a productive workforce,” Musinguzi said.

Goldy Oboma from the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) called for the creation of supportive work environments that promote good mental health.

Oboma stated that leaders at all levels should champion mental health in the workplace.

Call for Action

MHU executive director Derrick Kizza Mbuga called for workplaces to integrate mental health into their culture, while accommodating employees who are unwell.

“When I say I am not okay and probably have a mental health problem, it should not create agitation. I need support. Reasonable accommodation can mean modifying schedules, especially if an employee is on medication and can’t come to work very early. Employers should adjust schedules to enable such employees to work,” Mbuga said.

Social media bullying

Sports betting and social media bullying are the new frontiers of mental stress.

Daniel Lubanga, the programme manager of MHU, said people have lost significant amounts of money on sports betting, with some even securing loans to participate and when they lose, they often end up in depressed.

Mbuga noted that social media can be emotionally distressing for people who may be going through struggles.

"Bullying and harassment online is a major trigger of mental health problems, especially for young people," he explained.