Suicide among young people in Rwanda has become an increasing concern, with suicide attempts rising over the last four years, according to official statistics.

According to the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), from 2020 to 2023, cases of ages 20 and above recorded by health facilities increased from 1,286 to 2,311, a troubling escalation that mental health experts say calls for urgent action.

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Dr. Jean-Damascène Iyamuremye, the Director of Psychiatric Care at RBC, noted that suicide among youth has been driven by a combination of factors. These include mental health issues, societal pressures, and economic hardships. Depression and anxiety remain key triggers.

"Young people are facing more stress than ever, compounded by uncertainties about the future, social isolation, and in some cases, substance abuse. We must work to provide timely support and interventions to prevent these tragedies,” Iyamuremye said.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) states that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29, globally.

In Rwanda, the suicide rate was estimated at 5.6 per 100,000 people in 2019. While this figure is below the global average, the rising number of suicide attempts has raised the alarm.

According to Uzziel Manirareba, a clinical psychologist at ARCT-Ruhuka, a national trauma counseling organisation, young people are particularly susceptible to suicide. He noted that adolescence and young adulthood are critical stages of brain development, where vulnerability is high.

"Young people may seem strong, but in terms of mental health and self-reliance, they are very fragile,” Manirareba said.

He added that many youths face developmental and emotional challenges, and in their struggle to navigate these changes, may engage in risky behaviors or feel overwhelmed by negative circumstances.

"Suicide, for some, becomes a perceived escape from difficult situations hence the need for adult guidance and mental health support. Youth need role models and professionals to help them manage these challenges,” he noted.

Hidden triggers and warning signs

Chantal Mudahogora, a psychotherapist at Solid Minds, a Kigali-based mental health clinic, explained that while suicide is not a disease, it is often a consequence of long-term suffering. As noted, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, and other mental health conditions can make life feel unbearable for some.

"People don’t just wake up one day and decide to take their own lives. It’s usually a result of prolonged emotional pain. This pain can be caused by many factors, including trauma, economic failure, or social issues, leaving individuals feeling they have no way out.”

She stressed that there are often warning signs that someone is contemplating suicide, such as withdrawal from social activities, changes in behaviour, or expressing hopelessness.

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"You might hear someone say, ‘I’m tired of living,’ or ‘I don’t see a future.’ These statements shouldn’t be ignored. It’s important to ask direct questions about how they are feeling and whether they are considering self-harm,” she warned.

Preventing suicide

Dr Iyamuremye stated that to address the rising suicide rates, RBC expanded mental health services across Rwanda, ensuring that people have access to care in local health facilities.

This decentralised approach allows for early detection and intervention for those struggling with mental health issues.

"By expanding mental health services nationwide, our goal is to identify and address mental health challenges early, before they escalate into suicide attempts,” Iyamuremye said.

He added that RBC also runs awareness campaigns, especially during key moments like World Mental Health Day. These campaigns focus on reducing the stigma associated with mental health and encouraging people to seek help when needed.

"One key tool is a self-screening test for depression and alcohol abuse, which helps individuals identify early signs of mental health struggles.”

However, Dr Iyamuremye noted that despite these efforts, challenges remain as many people in Rwanda are still unaware of the importance of mental health care, and the stigma attached to seeking help persists.

There is also a shortage of mental health professionals, which hinders the capacity to meet the growing demand for services, he added.

Tackling stigma, promoting open conversations

Mudahogora highlighted that reducing stigma is key to preventing suicide. She stressed the need to normalise conversations about mental health and emotions.

She noted that people should feel comfortable seeking help when they need it, just as they would for any other health condition.

Mudahogora illuminated the importance of community involvement. She said families, friends, and communities play a vital role in supporting individuals who may be at risk.

Recognising behavioral changes and offering support early on can save lives, she said.

"We need to check in on each other more often and be aware of the signs that someone is struggling with,” Mudahogora advised.

Collective responsibility

The rise in youth suicide cases is a crisis that requires a collective response from the government, mental health professionals, and society at large. Mudahogora believes that awareness campaigns and support structures should be prioritised, especially in schools and communities where young people are most vulnerable.

"The brain is an organ like any other, and mental health issues should be treated with the same urgency as physical health problems. We must educate young people to understand their feelings and know that help is available.”