ANALYSIS | AGENCIES | A new study in mice has found that the bacterium Lactobacillus helps the body manage stress, potentially preventing the onset of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. The results could pave the way for new therapies to treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Experts …
Read More »WHO urges gov’ts to prioritize mental healthcare
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The World Health Organization-WHO is asking governments to prioritize mental healthcare as mental illness surges. WHO made the call during a virtual launch of the organization’s biggest assessment of mental health that has been carried out in the last 20 years. The report shows that …
Read More »Study shows COVID-19 ICU patients’ family needs more emotional support
Beijing, China | Xinhua | Family members of patients in the intensive care unit(ICU) with COVID-19 often experience abrupt change in circumstance and thus may have PTSD symptoms needing emotional support, a new study has found. These family members often have to make difficult decisions quickly and feel a loss of …
Read More »Early pregnancy risks young women’s mental health
There’s need for assessments of common maternal mental health conditions, such as postpartum psychosis, anxiety, and bipolar disorders | MANASI KUMAR | The rates of adolescent pregnancies in sub-Saharan Africa are among the world’s highest. The adolescent birth rate is as high as 139 per 1,000 girls in Tanzania and …
Read More »WHO warns of COVID-induced anxiety, depression worldwide
Geneva, Switzerland | Xinhua | The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Wednesday of a sharp increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression related to the COVID-19 pandemic, caused largely by social isolation. Young people and women are the worst hit. According to a scientific brief released by the WHO, …
Read More »Experts warn of mental health problems during second wave of Covid-19
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Families of people who have died from the second wave of Covid-19 or are infected could suffer mental problems. Mental health experts warn that patients, family members and also health workers are likely to suffer from anxiety and even mild depression. Dr Hillary Irimaso, a …
Read More »COVID-19 impacts mental health
Dan Bukenya’s case shows how the many restrictions imposed lead to increased levels of stress, anxiety and depression | THE INDEPENDENT | Dan Bukenya felt beleaguered by anguish. He lost sleep most nights and was often testy. He tried to self-medicate to no avail. Only when he agreed to be …
Read More »Intensify mental health care in villages – Experts
More services around mental health should be extended in all government health facilities Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Mental health experts say that many people in the rural communities are still suffering with issues of depression, anxiety, loneliness, trauma among others. As such, the experts now want services of mental health …
Read More »Students undergo training in mental health and psychosocial support
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | More than 50 students from different schools across the country have received training in mental health and psychosocial support to help people within their communities. The students have been equipped with skills to help them identify and listen to people with mental health and psychosocial challenges …
Read More »Mental health problems to be next pandemic after COVID-19
Many people with mental disorders are not receiving treatment in poor and middle-income countries, causing an unprecedented global crisis Madrid, Spain | Xinhua | Mental health problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will be the next pandemic, said a study issued by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) on Monday. …
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