Statistics show that protecting and preserving the mental health of the youth is an urgent and worthy cause. During the 2017 commemoration period, 18% of patients received by mental health departments were between the ages of 14 and 21, (source: Dr. Darius Gishoma, NAR Commemoration Conference 2018) providing evidence towards the issue of inter-generational trauma. Global statistics have shown that 50% of all mental illnesses begin by the age of 14, and 70% of children and adolescents with mental health problems have not had appropriate interventions at a sufficiently early age (source: www.mentalhealth.org.uk). Taking this into account, we engaged some young people to give us their thoughts on dealing with the enormity of mental health.
Gisele Rugwiro, Mental Health Activist
“I have noticed young people battle with mental illness that is mostly triggered by human rights violations, wars, violence at home, schools, and work. Some commit suicide as a result or end up in substance abuse and to make it worse, there’s little to no knowledge about mental illness and wellbeing being taught in our communities. The mental health of young people is as important as their physical health because it allows them to develop the resilience to cope with anything life throws at them. This is why it’s important and essential that our communities have support centers and services that are equipped to promote wellbeing, managing mental illness, and most importantly, identify early signs of mental illness in order to prevent young people from reaching a mental health crisis in the first place.”
Jessica Mbanda, Peacebuilding Officer
“Depression is like drowning, except everyone around you is breathing. Depression is the feeling you’ve lost something but having no clue what it is until one day you realize what you lost is yourself. Depression is exhausting; especially when you’re pretending not to have it. It’s a constant feeling of being numb. Being numb to emotions and numb to life. It is darkness 24/7, a feeling beyond sadness. Dear young people, your pain and anxiety make sense. It’s not in your head. We are living in a world that doesn’t meet our basic needs for connection, for meaning, for purpose, for a sense of the future.”
Peter Ndahiro, Communications Officer
“The youth are seen to have had it better than previous generations. However, great opportunities bring enormous pressure to succeed, and over-bearing fear of failure. Your lack of peace of mind develops into a continuous voice of self-doubt. Confidence in one’s ability and achievement is gradually broken down when the standards never seem high enough. Eventually, young, and hungry minds become suffocated into a recluse as the weight of your achievement becomes more important than your own well-being. Sinking into such a sadness makes one incapable of fulfilling their potential. We must pay more attention to the mental wellness of our young people if we truly want them to be the best that they can be.”
Joseph Kalisa, Mental Health Practitioner
“Watching news, scrolling through the internet or talking to family and friends around us, it’s evident that constant stressors and challenges are eminently facing young peoples’ lives and the world around them. Early pregnancies, cyberbullying, depression among other major mental illnesses seem to be “The new normal.” Studies have shown in particular that children who are neglected or physically or psychologically abused are more likely to engage sex at an early age and hence explaining the link between mental illnesses and teenage pregnancies. The question now is “how can we create an environment that promotes good mental health for young people?” as we seek solutions to these challenges.”