Coronavirus has exacerbated mental illnesses among the general public, particularly the survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and those who have survived the pandemic.

From isolation to financial uncertainty and the heightened fear of contagion, the pandemic is taking its toll on the physical and mental wellbeing of our population.

The mental health impact of the pandemic is likely to be big, if not addressed urgently, because some people are enduring the trauma related to the loss of their loved ones as well as the loss of jobs. Others have fallen sick and recovered from the virus, while some have endured overstress while serving on the front lines.

Visits from friends and family are part of the therapy, but these were ruled out for the better of the last two years due to lockdowns and other Covid-19 related restrictions.  According to medical experts, these confinements have now triggered stress, anxiety, depression, and possibly addictions.

The Covid-19 measures also restricted therapists from visiting their patients. As a result, some therapists moved their rehab sessions to virtual platforms—voice and video calls.

This approach is commendable, but it has its challenges. It eliminates direct contact between the therapist and the patient, an important aspect in gauging how the patient is coping. 

We need to urgently explore the best possible ways to support people’s mental wellbeing, particularly vulnerable groups such as genocide survivors and teenagers.

Rwanda Biomedical Centre figures show that depression prevalence in Rwanda is 11.9 per cent. Some 35.6 per cent are genocide survivors, meaning one in three genocide survivors faces trauma. Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stands at 3.6 per cent.

Now is the time to give this issue the urgent attention that it deserves because there appears to be a growing sense of anxiety and overstress, which could also put enormous pressure on our health system in the post-Covid-19 era. 

The prevailing cases of stigma in society are also complicating the situation and could fuel a mental health crisis if not addressed.

We must urgently look into the future. In order to avert a possible crisis in future, we must include mental health in our Covid-19 national recovery plan.