Activists, journalists discuss role of writing in promoting mental well-being

Different activists, journalists, members of civil society, as well as representatives from the government and international organisations, on engaged in a conversation around “the role of writing in making mental health and well-being a global priority” during a press brunch session that took place at Kigali Genocide Memorial, Wednesday, October 25. The event was organised by Rwanda Journalists for Sustainable Development (RJSD), a non-government educational organisation which aims to assist young and upcoming journalists to equip professionals in their career. According to its president, Placide Ngirinshuti, who is also a journalist, the media sector has the chance to contribute to improving mental health, and that writing plays a role in doing so. “We all know that writing is a great way for people to escape and express themselves based on the findings of several scientists' studies. Let's collaborate to find solutions to our society's mental health issues,” he said. Ngirinsuti believes that the media can provide enough space for those with mental health issues by publishing opinion pieces featuring their experiences, which he said can help others who are going through the same issues to realise that they are not alone hence taking a step towards healing. He noted that journalists can also help in identifying people with mental health issues on social media and other platforms and linking them with professionals who can offer help. Since it has also been realised that some journalists are not knowledgeable about mental health, Ngirinshuti suggested that they equip themselves with the knowledge so that they can help people. Eugene Rutembesa, a psychologist and professor at the University of Rwanda said that writing is significant given that when one writes, they want to communicate something to someone. He declared that when helping those with mental health issues, one can tell them to write to their parents, and brother, or about the issues they have and what's burdening their hearts, declaring that it's a way of helping them to give their feelings a sense, hence understanding themselves. Tete Loeper, a creative lecturer and author of 'Barefoot in Germany' said that writing is a good way to release what is bothering you for free without even moving from where you are. However, she continued, people have to be careful about how they share what they write. If they share it on social media, everyone is not going to support them. Some may hurt them and that can make things worse. They should start by writing on their own as if telling someone they don't know. Loeper also believes that journalists who write can play a role in promoting mental well-being by providing people with a space to help them vent and by understanding them without any sort of judgement. Tackling what can be done to promote writing culture, she said writers shouldn’t put making money forward but release their best work to help the society, adding that the writing culture shall be enforced in schools. She also urged writers and authors to assist people in writing, guiding them on how best they can do it.

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Activists, journalists discuss role of writing in promoting mental well-being