Odoki Jimmy
Writing a book, especially from a personal, lived experience of mental health challenge is something that takes commitment, dedication, focus, hard work and having empathy. In the past, most Ugandans relied on Western literature to read and learn more about mental health issues. Professor Kay Redfield Jamison’s book, “An Unquiet Mind”, was among the most highly recommended books. Now, locally published books on mental health are available. The stories resonate more because the experiences of the storytellers are similar to what people in various communities do while managing cases of mental health challenges.
Faith Agumya Jemimah, a mental health activist, has written a book tackling issues around suicide ideation and suicidal thoughts. TO LIVE OR NOT TO LIVE (HOW TO OVERCOME SUICIDE AND THRIVE AMIDST SUICIDAL THOUGHTS) is the title of the book. It focuses on overcoming suicidal thoughts, ideation and being able to thrive despite experiences of those dark moments. Suicide is considered taboo in Uganda, many parts of Africa and the world and therefore very little is discussed about it. This makes getting help for individuals with suicidal thoughts very difficult. Most often, victims of suicide are blamed as being reckless and selfish. However, what is usually lacking is the awareness that in many cases the causes are linked to mental health challenges like depression and alcohol use disorder. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is a leading cause of death and a serious public health problem. In 2021, it was the leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 20-34.
As a young person, Agumya should be commended for tackling head-on this often stigmatized subject through her publication. It is still very sensitive and talked about in hushed tones. Agumya uses her lived experience to highlight some issues associated with suicidal thoughts and ideation, and shares sad stories of friends (Joseph and Jackie, who died by suicide; hanging and overdosed on tramadol, respectively). What can be done to help suicidal persons? How can one deal with failure, rejection, stress, and fear so that it doesn’t result in loss of life by suicide? How can people dealing with the loss of loved ones (by suicide), fear of judgment, be helped? Empathy is very important according to Agumya. This book is a must-read for anybody interested in learning and knowing more about the causes and prevention of suicide, and for researchers and policymakers.
Agumya’s book has been widely reviewed and discussed in both mainstream and social media. She has been hosted on many radio and television stations as well as on Twitter (now X) spaces. She has certainly made a tremendous contribution and impact towards mental health awareness and the fight against stigma.
“The journey to mental health stability is continuous with no timeline”, says Agumya.
Through her book, passion and zeal, Agumya is destined to make a difference in raising mental health awareness and advocacy.
ADVOCATE AND WRITER, RUSHONGOZA NKABAFUNZAKI BEGUMYA (LIGHT)
Rushongoza Begumya aka Rusho is an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda. He is a Corporate & Commercial, Tax & Litigation Lawyer. He has contributed immensely towards mental health awareness through his poetry collection titled LIGHT. It is published under the Kitara Nation Poetry Series.
The use of poems/ poetry or Spoken word to raise mental health awareness and advocacy is relatively new, but it has been well embraced by the youth. It is easy for them to relate with the messages and the dissemination is simplified. The use of poetry and spoken word for raising awareness has quickly gained traction as many events in towns and cities feature poetry recitations on mental health themes.
Rushongonza uses his lived experience to write about grief, body shaming, anxiety, depression, loss, etc. These are essentially mental health issues. One only has to read this poetry collection to understand how resourceful it is. The book can be delivered by the publisher, Kitara Nation on request. However, one can also access the poetry collection online using the link: keleleatmakerereweb.wordpress.com. It is a must-read.
ROCK-BOTTOM & UP (ORIGI AKATWIJUKA)
This is another poetry collection. Origi is a Kampala-based poet. In this book, he deeply focuses on matters around mental health and well-being. Stigma, ridicule, mockery, therapy, acceptance, rebirth and metamorphosis are some of the themes the poet draws attention to. A review of the book can be accessed on Daily Monitor website; https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/book-review-poet-catches-the-eye-with-literary-offering-4364022
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Written by
Jimmy Odoki Acellam is Coordinator of Heartsounds Uganda and a Mental Health Advocate.
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A wonderful review of the up and coming home-grown advocates of mental health.
I often find that poetry and music play a big role in advocating sensitive issues such as mental health, war, relationships etc.
These writers are very inspiring and more light should be shone on their work to help promote their work and to encourage others to take pen to paper.
Well done omera