Parliament denies claims of mentally ill MPs, says they just need money

The claims where made by Parliament's own Geoffrey Macho, Busia Municipality legislator and the Chairperson for the House Forum on Mental Health during the celebrations held at Kyambogo University for World Mental Health Day on Tuesday October 18.

"Mental health is a public health concern that must be given attention. Where ever you get a hundred members of Parliament, 50 of them are depressed. To prove that, come to Parliament at noon, you will get more than 20 percent of the MPs talking to themselves, which is a sign depression," Macho said.

Chris Obore, the Director of Communications and Public Affairs, came out yesterday to refute Macho's words saying they were exaggerated to emphasise the prevalance of mental problems but lacked support by scientific research. That only health specialists can reach such conclusions under the right procedures.

“I can appreciate that he wanted to draw attention to the problem as a way of increasing awareness. I don’t think that MPs are too exposed to depression. Mental health illness can be proven after a diagnosis has been done,” he said.

The celebrations were held under the theme "Make mental health a national priority."

The celebrations were held under the theme "Make mental health a national priority." Pulse

In ensuing comments, Macho mentioned that his colleagues are under pressure from heavy workload including unending demands by constituents, loan servicing obligations, and relationship challenges.

He said other issue are "too sensitive" to air out in public. Moreover, legislators are often seen talking to themselves in corridors of Parliament and others regularly receive counselling from professional psychologists and psychiatrists at Parliament.

“MPs work without rest as they play their oversight and legislative roles. Other factors are controversial and I’m not comfortable sharing them,” he said.

Christopher Komakech, a neuro technologist with psychiatry qualifications and member of Parliament's Forum on Mental Health, said that Macho is in no position to diagnose depression. That for someone to be diagnosed with depression, they must be sad for at least 21 consecutive days or more.

"Almost 50 percent of depressed people commit suicide. Have you ever heard of an MP who committed suicide? These fellows are just stressed, not depressed," he said.

He added that a majority of issues the legislators are dealing with require only financial relief.

“About 90 percent of problems that the MPs face are financial. Some of them may be battling court cases after elections, they are expected to meet financial needs of some of their electorates and their extended families. Some borrow money to finance their campaigns and all these things make them feel sad or stressed,” he said.

Making mental health a lifestyle

At the event, Macho called upon stakeholders to make mental health campaigns part of life everywhere, from boardrooms to communities. That this will help people become more aware and able to deal with their triggers such as drug abuse, alcoholism, domestic violence, economic hardships and stressful jobs and unfriendly school programmes.