After years of struggling with alcohol addiction, a chronic relapsing disorder associated with compulsive alcohol drinking, the loss of control over intake, and the emergence of a negative emotional state when alcohol is no longer available, Peter (not his real name) thought his biggest problem was drinking. ALSO READ: 35% Genocide survivors have mental health problems – RBC It cost him his job, hurt his relationships, and took a toll on his health. At 39, when he finally sought help at a specialized treatment facility, he discovered that the problem ran deeper than alcohol. “I told the doctor everything, even that I used to drink before going to work. But to my surprise, the doctor told me alcohol wasn’t the real issue. They started asking some probing questions about my childhood.” Peter is a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Orphaned at 10, he was forced to care for his siblings on his own. At 16, he began drinking to escape the emotional weight he carried. Over time, that coping mechanism turned into a serious dependency. ALSO READ: How best can employers reduce stress in the workplace? Doctors eventually diagnosed him with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, or a violent assault. It can also develop after prolonged exposure to traumatic situations like abuse or neglect. After six months of medical and psychological support, Peter is now rediscovering and has returned to work. Like Peter, people often ignore some signs of mental health problems, thinking they're just small issues, but they can actually be an important warning. Physical symptoms According to Dr Françoise Karibwende, the co-Founder and Clinical Director at Wihogora Psychosocial Center, early signs can manifest physically. Wihogora Psychosocial Centre was founded to support Rwandans improve their mental health well-being, following the troubling consequences of the 1994 Genocide and the negative effects of the contemporary lifestyles on Rwandans; especially on children and adolescents. “Someone may lose their appetite, feel physically weak, or suffer from stomach issues. These can all be indicators that something is wrong, even if there’s no obvious physical injury or disease,” she said. Emotional disconnection Another sign often overlooked is emotional detachment. Those struggling with mental health issues may withdraw from social situations, not because they’re lazy, but because they genuinely don’t feel well, she said. “They may even start to feel disconnected from their own life, missing work or social events because they don’t have the energy to participate,” the psychologist explained. Unexplained anxiety and overreaction Experiencing occasional anxiety - a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness - is a normal part of life. Anxiety is a common human emotion characterized by feelings of worry, unease, or nervousness about anticipated events. While mild anxiety can be a normal and even beneficial response to stress, experts say that persistent or excessive anxiety can develop into an anxiety disorder, impacting daily life and potentially leading to physical symptoms. Karibwende said that when someone begins feeling anxious about situations that haven’t even occurred or reacts with disproportionate intensity to minor problems, it’s a sign that their mental health may be in jeopardy. Stress that overpowers coping mechanisms According to the World Health Organisation, stress can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. Everyone experiences stress to some degree but the way we respond to stress makes a big difference to our overall well-being. ALSO READ: Eight major issues causing stress at work As Karibwende emphasized, stress is a natural part of life, but when it exceeds an individual's coping abilities, it becomes a concern. She said: “If you find yourself constantly overwhelmed, unable to manage tasks at work or home, it can lead to bigger mental health issues, such as memory loss, disorganization, and depression.” Social withdrawal Also known as social isolation or social anxiety, social withdrawal is the avoidance of social situations or activities that one would typically enjoy. A result of factors including shyness, fear of rejection, low self-esteem, or underlying mental health conditions, social withdrawal can manifest as spending more time alone, avoiding social interactions, or feeling unable to cope with social challenges independently. Many people, especially younger generations, are prone to social withdrawal according to Janvier Muhire, a Kigali-based clinical psychologist. This isolation can be seen in young people, especially people under 40, who may suffer significantly from mental health struggles but lack the vocabulary or support to address them. “Social withdrawal is common. Many people stop attending work, family events, or public gatherings, but they may not know how to express their discomfort or distress. It’s often mistaken for laziness or lack of interest,” Muhire said. Impact of social media For young people, the pressure from social media and constant internet exposure is a significant contributor to mental health struggles. Muhire said that excessive internet use, often referred to as internet addiction or problematic internet use, can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as substance abuse and isolation. While mental health is still a relatively new topic in Rwanda, Muhire said awareness is growing. But misconceptions and stigma surrounding mental health continue to prevent many people from seeking the help they need. ALSO READ: Why are men reluctant to seek help for mental health issues? “The biggest challenge we face is the lack of awareness. People often fear judgment and avoid seeking help because they worry about how they’ll be perceived,” he said. He emphasized that seeking mental health support is essential for our well-being. Delaying help can lead to more serious problems, according to mental health experts.
