At least 10 people report to Kisoro Hospital daily seeking some form of medical assistance for manifesting mental illnesses, a Medical Social Worker explained.
Catherine Mujawimana says most people who are going through a dark period in their lives are often afraid to speak out and seek professional help.
This makes them feel they have no choice but to commit suicide.
The comments come just one day after a senior UPDF soldier attached to Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) Bufumbira South and Kisoro Municipality allegedly committed suicide.
Rtd. Captain Bagabe Claver was discovered last night hanging from the ceiling on a rope. He was fully dressed in Military attire.
Cases of Suicide are not unusual among service men in Uganda. At least three other people in Kisoro district have committed Suicide since the beginning of the year.
According to Mujawimana, depression among clients results from them feeling they cannot reverse certain decisions and so it is impossible to deal with the reality of their lives.
She says the most common causes of Suicide include chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Cancer.
Mujawimana says since the COVID -19 lockdown, many people have shown signs of depression as a result of failed businesses, increased domestic violence in the homes and biting poverty.
She advises people who feel a deep dark sadness, loss of interest in activities, loss of appetite, increased Alcohol and drugs in-take to seek professional help, before it is too late.
“No situation is too serious or too difficult for a professional to understand. Religious leaders, medical workers and teachers, we have a lot of work to do to save a seriously depressed country.
A media report recently revealed that over 10 million Ugandans are living with mental health issues.
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