Analysis - Considering the stigmas surrounding mental healthcare, practitioners should use terminology carefully to prevent further harm.
Considering the stigmas surrounding mental healthcare, practitioners should use terminology carefully to prevent further harm.
For generations, Africans have faced sustained adversities due to insecurity, humanitarian crises and colonial repression. Communities have had to cope with continued trauma stemming from genocides, insurgencies, terror attacks, political turmoil, socio-economic disparities and religious and ethnic discrimination. Trauma in Africa is often, and 85% of those in developing countries had no treatment for mental health issues.
Mental health is a socially constructed concept, so cultural, religious and ethnic groups understand it differently, isolation, and sometimes violence. Traditional notions about the origins of mental illnesses can sometimes result in detrimental actions like exorcisms or isolation rather than relying on evidence-based treatments. Eliminating stigma and fostering awareness can encourage individuals to seek help without worrying about negative consequences.
Traditionally in Uganda, mental health disorders were widely believed to be caused by external spiritual forces including satanic powers, curses, and bewitchment. Omulalu is the term used to refer to someone with mental health challenges, literally translating as 'mad', 'crazy' or 'insane'. Local beliefs around causation, strong local terminology and the resultant stigma partly explain why those with illnesses are hesitant to seek treatment.
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