October 10 is World Mental Health Day. This year’s celebration coincides with the 75th Anniversary of the foundation of the World Federation for Mental Health. Some Ugandans are now seriously involved in raising awareness about mental health issues. Why is Veronica’s role in mental health advocacy important?
Veronica Mirembe is a Ugandan Mental Health Advocate, Youth activist, professional journalist, author, gifted teacher, linguist, preacher, public speaker, singer, and entrepreneur. Three of her books which have already been published are; HOPE AMIDST BIPOLAR (DISORDER), TWENTY THREE YEARS IN A MENTAL ASYLUM (17 Years in Butabika and still beautiful by God’s grace), and PURPOSE TO WALK IN SEXUAL PURITY IN OUR GENERATION. These books were purposely written with a focus on mental health issues to raise awareness among the youth. She has a 23-year Lived experience of with Bipolar Affective Disorder and was diagnosed at 14 years old. Veronica shares her testimony of recovery on social media platforms to encourage users who may have mental health challenges, not to give up. Her stories of hope give encouragement to young people who sometimes think of the future as hopeless. Her messages portray an optimist who is very kind, and happy to help people going through difficulties, especially in their mental health. Veronica is the quintessential Peer Support Worker. She is gifted with wonderful attributes needed for peer support. “You’re not defined by tags or problems”, advises Veronica. Among other mental health tips she has shared online include; How to deal with anger issues, continually affirm children by parents and the dangers of competition and comparison.
Veronica uses biblical truths and principles to underscore some of the messages on mental health issues. “Reading the Bible and its teachings partly contributed to my recovery”, she adds. One finds rest, peace, tranquillity, and serenity by reading the Holy Book. Empathy is very important while interacting and caring for people who are mentally unwell and she is blessed with it. Her religious background likely contributed to her nice, warm and caring personality. The nexus between religion and mental health cannot be ignored. She says people who have mental health challenges should be loved and not treated inhumanely, or stigmatized. This essentially relates to the theme for World Mental Health Day (WMHD) 2023 which is “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right”
People who have mental challenges can live normal, productive lives as seen from her life testimony of rejection in the past that enabled her to discover her gifts. She is setting up language projects. The difficult, challenging experiences people go through, should never define them. With the right treatment and support, it is possible for people who have mental health challenges to recover and live normally like Veronica who now does interpretation work in French, English and Luganda. She is studying Chinese language at CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE Makerere University. She also devotes time to teaching French, Chinese and English language to underprivileged children in society.
Veronica has some YouTube channels dedicated to raising awareness on mental health issues. It is the Hope Amidst bipolar channel by VERONICA MIREMBE which she updates with new content regularly. It gives hope and a sense of connection to the users who have mental health issues.
Her vision is to establish an international language consultancy that helps promote mother tongue and international languages in Uganda from a young age. She plans to start an international mental health consultancy that specializes in supporting patients through lived experience and specifically using people with lived experience to earn some money through counselling services using the bi-psychosocial spiritual model. Most people who have Bipolar disorder in Uganda and Africa tend to be very spiritual. They belong to or are affiliated with different religious denominations and faiths.
Veronica’s contribution towards mental health awareness, advocacy and fighting stigma by sharing the trajectory of her life and recovery journey without fear or shame is immense. By sharing testimonies, engaging online users, publishing books, and reaching out to those in need, Veronica is making a difference in the lives of many mental health service users. Her spirit of selflessness, commitment and dedication is commendable.
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