A study conducted in 2018 by the Ministry of Health indicated that Rwanda has a very high prevalence rate of mental health disorders.
Major depression tops with a rate of close to 12 percent within the general public and among Genocide survivors, the rate nearly triples at 35. 1 percent.
As the country marks Mental Health Day that falls on October 10, it is imperative that the society is alert and on the lookout for signs of depression, especially amidst the ongoing pandemic.
Covid-19 has caused the loss of employment and disrupted lives, causing stress, fear, and worry among individuals.
The uncertainty from the pandemic has elevated the potential for diverse effects on people’s mental health and if left unchecked, can lead to lasting damaging effects on individuals, their families and society at large.
While Rwanda has support systems for mental health, the 2018 study showed that a massive 85.9 percent do not seek mental health services even though a majority of the respondents knew about the existence of the services.
One of the reasons why people shun mental health services is the stigma associated with it.
This negative perception about mental illness probably comes from people not understanding the problem or what it means to struggle with a mental illness. In addition, ignorance or misunderstanding the nature of mental disorders is still a barrier to improved access and awareness.
To fight this stigma is no longer a need but a priority. Mental Health was a challenge before Covid-19, and the pandemic will only make it a more defining challenge.
While the country is dealing with many other issues, the time for coordinated action against mental health disorders is now.
After all, one of Rwanda’s goals is to achieve high-quality care and this will be a tall order until mental health is fully part of the entire health system.
Good mental health is key to the functioning of any society.
Therefore, let us each reflect on our role and our respective organizations' role in promoting good mental health.