By Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1450 EAT on Thursday 5 March 2026

Mental health experts are calling on parents to pay closer attention to behavioural changes in teenagers, warning that early signs of depression are often ignored or mistaken for normal adolescent mood swings.

When 16-year-old Aisha (not her real name) stopped laughing with her classmates and began sitting quietly at the back of the classroom, her teachers assumed she was simply going through a normal teenage phase.

But weeks later, the once cheerful student had lost interest in school activities, her grades had dropped sharply, and she avoided conversations with both teachers and friends.

Stories like Aisha’s are becoming increasingly common in schools across Uganda, raising concern among educators and mental health experts who warn that many teenagers are silently struggling with depression.

According to the World Health Organization, depression is one of the leading causes of illness among adolescents worldwide. Experts say that in many African countries, including Uganda, the condition often goes unnoticed because parents and teachers mistake its symptoms for ordinary teenage behaviour.

Mental health specialists say early detection is critical because untreated depression in young people can affect academic performance, relationships and, in severe cases, lead to self-harm.

When Silence Hides Pain

Teachers say they are beginning to notice worrying changes in some students—withdrawal, persistent sadness and sudden academic decline.

“Sometimes a child who used to participate actively in class suddenly becomes quiet and detached,” said a teacher at a secondary school in Kampala who requested anonymity because she is not authorised to speak publicly. “At first we think the student is just distracted, but in some cases it is something deeper.”
A senior woman teacher at a secondary school in Wakiso District says some students are quietly battling emotional struggles.

“Sometimes the quietest students are the ones carrying the heaviest burdens,” she said. “Some come to us feeling overwhelmed by pressure from school, family expectations and challenges with friends.”

Warning Signs Parents Should Not Ignore
Mental health specialists say depression in teenagers does not always look like sadness alone. In many cases, it appears through behavioural changes.

Parents should watch for warning signs such as persistent withdrawal from family or friends, sudden loss of interest in hobbies, changes in sleep patterns, irritability, fatigue and a noticeable decline in school performance.

Some teenagers may also complain frequently of headaches or stomach pains without a clear medical cause.

“Parents know their children better than anyone else,” a counselling psychologist explained. “When you see a sudden shift in behaviour that lasts for weeks, it is important to pay attention.”

Growing Pressure on Today’s Teenagers
School leaders say academic competition and the growing influence of social media are placing additional pressure on teenagers.

Students today face intense expectations to succeed academically while also trying to fit into social circles and online communities.

“Social media can make young people feel like they are not good enough,” the Wakiso teacher said. “When they constantly compare themselves with others, it affects their confidence and emotional wellbeing.”

What Parents Can Do

Experts say parents can take simple steps to help protect their teenagers’ mental wellbeing. These include maintaining open communication, paying attention to sudden behavioural changes and encouraging children to talk about their feelings without fear of judgement.

Spending quality time with teenagers, limiting excessive screen time and seeking professional help when necessary can also play an important role in preventing serious mental health challenges.

Listening Can Save a Life

As awareness around mental health continues to grow, educators are calling on parents, schools and communities to work together so that teenagers do not suffer in silence.

“Behind every quiet student could be a silent struggle,” the Kampala teacher said. “Sometimes all it takes is one person to notice and ask if they are okay.”

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