Healthy Minds, Hopeful Youth

Marking World Mental Health Day with OWF

On 10 October, the world paused to talk about something we often keep quiet about; mental health. At Open World Foundation (OWF), this conversation is part of our daily work with young people.

Why this matters for young people?

Many mental health struggles begin early. According to the World Health Organization, about 50% of all mental health conditions start by the age of 14. (Some related public health studies, like those from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, also note that up to 75% start by age 24), and most go unnoticed and untreated. For a young person already dealing with poverty, school pressure, hunger or an uncertain future, that weight can become too heavy to carry alone.

In many communities, people still say “just be strong” or “it’s all in your head.” So young people stay silent, and silence is where small struggles grow into big ones.

Mental health is not a luxury

A young person who is anxious, withdrawn or hopeless struggles to learn, to work and to dream. That is why psychosocial support sits within our health pillar, alongside nutrition and WASH. We believe a healthy young person is healthy in body and in mind.

Signs worth noticing

You do not need to be a professional to notice when something is off. Watch for:

– Sudden withdrawal from friends, family or activities
– Changes in sleep or appetite
– Constant sadness, irritability or anger
– Falling grades or losing interest in school or work
– Talking about feeling hopeless or like a burden

If you notice these signs in yourself or someone you love, take them seriously.

What we can all do

– Listen without judging. Sometimes “I’m here, tell me more” is enough.
– Break the stigma. Talk about mental health as openly as we talk about malaria or typhoid.
– Check on your friends. Ask twice; “How are you, really?”
– Seek help early. Speak to a trusted adult, a counsellor, or a health worker at your nearest health facility.

Our commitment

At OWF, we are committed to building communities where young people can speak up, be heard and get the support they need. Our vision is a world where every young person has the health, education and livelihood to reach their full potential, and a sound mind is where it starts.

“You are not alone. Your mind matters.”

Follow us on our social media pages for more on our work with young people across Uganda.