By Ruth Nakalembe | Project Officer
Enhancing Mental Health Support for Youth: A Quarterly Update on Training and Counseling Initiatives
Introduction:
This quarter's report covers the Mental Health & Psychosocial Support for Youths project, which targets providing comprehensive mental health services to 300 vulnerable youths aged 15-24. The focus during this period was on training health workers to screen for depression and counsel adolescents affected by drug and alcohol use. Key activities included health worker training, screening for depression, counseling, and community outreach.
Training of Health Workers:
Two training sessions were conducted for 15 health workers, concentrating on how to screen adolescents for depression and provide counseling to youths dealing with substance abuse. The training highlighted:
A key focus of the project has been to equip health workers with the skills necessary to identify and support youth struggling with mental health issues. During this quarter, two training sessions were conducted for a total of 15 health workers. The training covered:
Signs and Symptoms of Depression: Participants learned to recognize the common indicators of depression in adolescents, including changes in mood, behavior, and sleep patterns.
Risk Factors and Triggers: The training explored factors that can contribute to depression in young people, such as family history, stressful life events, and substance abuse.
Evidence-Based Counseling Techniques: Health workers were introduced to effective counseling approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, that can help youth develop coping strategies and manage their symptoms.
Feedback from the health workers indicated an increased confidence in handling mental health cases, particularly with the dual challenges of depression and substance use.
Screening for Depression:
During this period, 4 youths were screened using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Of these, 1scored above the threshold for moderate to severe depression, with three of them identifying as current or former users of drugs and alcohol. All four were referred to mental health professionals for further evaluation, while health workers provided initial counseling.
Counseling Youth Affected by Drugs and Alcohol
Health workers began providing one-on-one counseling sessions for five adolescents identified with substance use issues. The counseling included:
Substance Abuse Assessment: Counselors evaluated the severity of each youth's substance use and identified any underlying mental health issues.
Coping Skills Development: Participants were taught healthy coping mechanisms to manage cravings, stress, and negative emotions.
Relapse Prevention Strategies: Counselors provided guidance on developing relapse prevention plans to help youth stay on track with their recovery goals.
Support Network Building: Youth were encouraged to connect with support groups and other individuals who could offer encouragement and accountability.
The sessions are ongoing, but early reports indicate increased self-awareness among the participants about their drug use and its impacts on their mental health.
Community Outreach:
One community outreach event was organized to raise awareness of depression and substance abuse among adolescents. Over 60 community members, including youth, parents, and teachers, attended the session. The event featured:
Information on Mental Health and Substance Use: Through presentations and interactive booths.
Youth Engagement: Encouraging open discussion about mental health challenges and the impact of drugs and alcohol.
The outreach event helped foster community support for youths facing these issues and increased demand for counseling services.
Group Counseling:
One group counseling session was held with 10 youths, half of whom were substance-affected. The session emphasized coping strategies, stress management, and peer support, helping the participants share their experiences and learn from one another. Youths reported feeling less isolated after participating in the group.
Key Findings:
Increased Awareness: Health workers are better equipped to identify and address depression in adolescents, particularly those affected by substance use.
Community Involvement: Families and community members are more informed about adolescent mental health and substance use issues.
Early Intervention: Screening and counseling helped identify youths in need of urgent mental health care, facilitating timely referrals and treatment.
Recommendations:
Conclusion:
The training of health workers and provision of counseling services have been instrumental in addressing the mental health needs of vulnerable youth. By equipping health workers with the necessary skills and providing direct support to youth affected by substance abuse, the project is making a positive impact on the lives of young people in our community.
By Harriet Babikako | project lead
By Ruth Nakalembe | livelihood officer
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