Maëva Bazilia Rusamaza, a poet and mental health activist, has battled with suicidal thoughts and attempts on two occasions.

Her first attempt came in 2019 following a failed overdose, and her second, in 2021, was triggered by a painful breakup and the loss of a loved one.

Rusamaza has been grappling with depression since 2016, which led her to self-harm and feel isolated and overwhelmed by grief repeatedly. Her turning point came when she opened up to her mother, who encouraged her to seek therapy at Caraes Ndera Hospital. This was crucial in her healing journey. Today, Rusamaza is the founder of Hear2Share, an organisation that provides anonymous online mental health support and actively participates in raising awareness about mental health issues.

Through her work, she strives to dispel myths about the inaccessibility of therapy and encourages others to seek help.

Globally, suicide remains a silent and devastating crisis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 29, claiming over 800,000 lives each year. This figure exceeds the annual death tolls from HIV, malaria, breast cancer, or armed conflicts.

Suicide in Rwanda has become an growing concern, with suicide attempts rising over the last four years, according to official statistics. According to 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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Globally, men are at a higher risk, with suicide rates of 12.6 per 100,000, compared to 5.4 per 100,000 for women. High-income countries report the highest male suicide rates, whereas women in lower-middle-income countries face the greatest risk of suicide, according to WHO.

In Rwanda, the situation is concerning despite a national suicide rate of 5.6 per 100,000 people in 2019, which is lower than the global average. Specifically, attempts among men have surged from 972 to 1,438, while attempts among women escalated from 799 to 1,484 during the same period, according to data from RBC.

As we observe September as National Suicide Prevention Month, it is a reminder of the importance of taking proactive steps to support our loved ones and those in our community affected by this critical issue.

Experts stress the need for concerted efforts to address and reduce the prevalence of suicide, urging everyone to be vigilant and supportive in their roles – this month serves as a crucial opportunity to reflect on effective strategies and actions that can make a difference in combating this leading cause of death.

‘Suicide is a complex issue’

Janvier Muhire, a clinical psychologist at mHub Clinic, in Kicukiro, in Kigali, explained that suicide is a complex issue resulting from a mix of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors.

Key risk factors include family conflicts, past trauma such as physical or sexual abuse, severe depression, and impaired judgment.

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Muhire pointed out that the availability of means for self-harm, such as drugs or weapons, can exacerbate the risk for individuals already struggling.

Adolescents and young adults face unique pressures, including academic stress, relationship problems, and social challenges.

Muhire noted that teenagers often lack the coping mechanisms that adults may possess, making them more prone to impulsive and dangerous decisions.

"Similarly, older adults are at risk as well, often struggling with feelings of worthlessness, isolation, or being a burden to their families. Depression in older age can be severe and frequently goes unnoticed, leading some to view suicide as their only escape from emotional pain,” Muhire stated.

‘Families, friends, and communities play a critical role’

Warning signs of suicide include persistent feelings of hopelessness, withdrawal from social activities, extreme sadness, mood swings, and expressing a sense of being a burden, he added.

Chantal Mudahogora, a psychotherapist at Solid Minds, a Kigali-based mental health clinic stressed that these signs are critical indicators that should be taken seriously, noting that offering support and intervention can be life-saving.

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"Protective factors that can help reduce the risk of suicide include strong support networks, community involvement, religious and cultural connections, and access to mental health care. A supportive environment can provide individuals with a sense of belonging and emotional safety, acting as a powerful deterrent to suicide,” Mudahogora said.

Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health is essential for effective suicide prevention. Mudahogora advocates for treating mental health issues with the same seriousness as physical health concerns.

She calls for more open conversations about mental health, particularly in schools, where young people should feel safe discussing their emotions.

She noted that early intervention, awareness programmes, and emotional support are vital in helping individuals seek help before reaching a crisis point.

"Suicide prevention is not solely the responsibility of mental health professionals. Families, friends, and communities also play a critical role in addressing this issue. Simple actions such as checking in on someone who seems distant or troubled, can make a difference,” Mudahogora said.