First of all, I would like to applaud the pioneers who brought awareness to mental health and its importance in our lives. They truly did a tremendous job and deserve all the accolades. For decades, people suffered from mental illnesses without knowing what they were or how to treat themselves to get better.

Despite the efforts of these heroes, many of us still prioritize physical health over mental health. However, mental health is equally important. Both physical and mental health work hand in hand to maintain our overall well-being.

For instance, have you ever gone for a run or hit the gym and found yourself in a better mood afterward? Or, when feeling down, decided to take a walk or dance to lift your spirits? In those moments, you were unknowingly working on your mental health while also improving your physical health.

It’s disheartening that I come from a cultural background where mental health is not yet recognized as important. In Uganda, if you complain about a mental health problem, little or no attention is often given. Sometimes, people might advise you to “sleep it off,” or friends might suggest drinking or partying as a way to forget your problems. Unfortunately, these so-called “solutions” often worsen the situation.

I remember as a teenager struggling with depression and anxiety, though I didn’t know what those conditions were at the time. If someone had explained to me that my symptoms reflected a mental health problem, I might have better understood my condition and worked toward recovery to enjoy my teenage years. My parents eventually took me to a counselor, which I deeply appreciate, but my struggles didn’t immediately go away. Looking back, I realize I didn’t fully understand the counselor’s role or how they could help me.

This experience has solidified my belief that there is still much work to be done to promote mental health awareness, especially among children and teenagers. With ongoing campaigns and the dedication of mental health advocates like myself, I am confident we can strive to make mental health a priority and eliminate the stigma surrounding it.