Mental health crisis in schools: The silent struggles of students

When Raudhah Ssemakula Mutyaba lost her father, her life at Emirates College School in Nkoowe was turned upside down.

The grief was overwhelming, impacting her mental health and academic performance.

But through a mix of sports, faith, and reaching out for support, she found a way to regain her strength and confidence.

“When I lost my dad, and I felt like I wasn’t the person I used to be. I felt left out,” she recalls.

Grief is often a private battle, but for Mutyaba, its effects manifested publicly her focus in class diminished, and her once strong academic performance plummeted.

The emotional burden became too heavy to bear alone, and though it wasn’t easy, she sought help.

"I discussed my problems with my teacher," Mutyaba says, marking the beginning of her journey toward emotional recovery.

The teacher listened, providing her with a sense of validation.

But more than just talk, Mutyaba, discovered that the road to healing involved active participation in things that brought her joy and allowed her to regain control of her life.

Sports became a lifeline. "I became involved in netball and volleyball," she explains, noting that physical activity provided her an outlet to release the overwhelming emotions she was struggling to manage.

Through sports, she not only found a community but also a sense of belonging, a stark contrast to the isolation that grief had previously imposed upon her.

Mutyaba,also leaned on her faith for strength. "Engaging in Quran recitations helped me make reference to goodness," she shares.

These spiritual practices became her meditation, reminding her of the values of kindness, patience, and resilience that offered a path to emotional stability.

Her involvement in extracurricular activities was more than a distraction; it was transformative.

"In these clubs, you feel self-motivated, and you become competent. You can do things by yourself," she says.

By surrounding herself with supportive peers and participating in activities that nurtured her confidence, Mutyaba found the strength to continue, even when the world seemed unbearable.

For Mutyaba, her story is not just one of personal growth but also a broader lesson on the importance of mental health support in schools.

Her experience highlights the critical need for schools to recognize and address the emotional needs of students, particularly those facing life-changing circumstances.

Mutyaba’s story is not unique. Across Uganda, many students like her are navigating similar challenges, often without the resources or support needed to overcome them.

Seventeen-year-old Uzairu Lutakome, also a student at Emirates College School, is no stranger to the pressures of academic life.

Preparing for his Senior Four exams, Lutakome was expected to excel in his studies, but personal challenges began to erode his ability to keep up.

“I would sit in class, and all I could see was the chalkboard, but nothing made sense,” Lutakome recalls.

Once a top student, particularly in Mathematics, he found himself struggling to concentrate.

His grades fell, and with that, his sense of self-worth. He withdrew from his friends and lost motivation, feeling increasingly isolated from the world around him.

But Lutakome wasn’t willing to give up. He found solace in extracurricular activities like the Writers and Mentors Club and the Debate Society, where he could engage his mind and regain his confidence.

“The thrill of debating, the joy of crafting words these activities gave me something to look forward to,” he explains.

Slowly, Lutakome’s grades improved, and his love for Mathematics rekindled.

"I couldn’t believe I was scoring high again," he says, reflecting on his journey back to academic success.

Lutakome’s experience underscores the importance of finding balance between academic pressure and mental well-being.

At Emirates College School, Head Teacher, Mariam Nakiyingi is acutely aware of the growing mental health challenges among her students.

Speaking to the Nile Post in an interview , Nakiyingi emphasized the impact of both home and school environments on students' mental health.

"By the time a learner decides to leave school or drop out, many things have already troubled their mind," she said, urging parents and schools to do more.

Nakiyingi pointed to family disputes, lack of basic needs, and poor living conditions as contributing factors to mental health struggles.

She stressed that schools must provide a safe and supportive environment for students to thrive.

"As educators, we must ensure our learners have a comfortable stay at school. Are the dormitories safe? Are the meals adequate? How are we disciplining these children?" she questioned, highlighting the importance of creating a nurturing atmosphere for students.

Bullying, peer violence, and corporal punishment, she noted, exacerbate the mental strain many students face. Additionally, she raised concerns about children from broken homes, who often lack the emotional and financial support they need.

“Such children are at higher risk of mental health challenges,” she warned.

Psychologist Sophia Mbekeka added another layer to the conversation, raising concerns over the rising divorce rates and their impact on children.

According to Mbekeka, children from single-parent households often bear the brunt of parental pressure, which can be psychologically damaging.

“Many single parents place excessive responsibility on their children, especially when they are the sole focus of attention,” she explained.

Mbekeka also warned about the growing influence of technology on students' mental health.

With children increasingly drawn to smartphones and other gadgets, parents must recognize the new pressures of digital life.

"Parents need to understand that the digital world is now a part of their children’s lives, and they must adapt their parenting strategies," she said.

Furthermore, Mbekeka raised alarm over the increasing rates of drug addiction among students, some as young as those in primary school.

She called for regular medical and psychological check-ups, advocating for rehabilitation where necessary.

“We must take these issues seriously and ensure students get the help they need,” she urged.

The crisis is not limited to students.

Filbert Baguma, Secretary General of the Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU), revealed alarming statistics regarding the mental health of teachers.

Between January and June 2024, he says the union lost 210 teachers due to mental health-related issues.

"Both students and teachers are grappling with mental health challenges," Baguma stated, calling for immediate government intervention.

UNATU is working with the Ministry of Education, UNESCO, and civil society organizations to address the crisis.

One of their initiatives is a mental health handbook for schools, aimed at empowering teachers to support students effectively.

However, Baguma stressed the need for more psychosocial support, calling for government-led efforts to train counselors and monitor schools to ensure mental health is prioritized.

Teachers like Latif Kyandiga are calling for more comprehensive mental health advocacy in schools.

"We need clear mechanisms to help students cope with the growing pressures of life," he said. Kyandiga emphasized the need for policy reforms, advocating for mental health education to be integrated into the national curriculum.

As the mental health crisis in Uganda’s schools continues to unfold, the need for concerted action is clear.

Schools, parents, and the government must work together to provide the necessary resources and support systems to ensure that both students and teachers can navigate the complex challenges of modern life in a healthy, productive manner.

Experts note that Mutyaba and Lutakome ’s stories are just two examples of the mental health challenges faced by students in Uganda.

They explain that their resilience offers hope, but their experiences also highlight the urgent need for schools to offer comprehensive mental health support.

With the right interventions, be it counseling services, peer support programs, or simply a more open dialogue about mental health students can find their way through even the most difficult times.