Mental health experts are increasingly advocating for widespread screening, with a particular focus on men. Research indicates that the prevalence of mental health issues is slightly higher in men than in women.
Data from Ndera Psychiatric Hospital for 2022-2023 shows a significant increase in the number of men seeking mental health services.
Dr. Janvier Yuhabwe, a mental health specialist, highlights that many of these individuals suffer from conditions such as depression and aggression.
“When we delve into the root causes of these issues, we find they are complex and multifaceted,” Dr. Yuhabwe explains. “Most of the patients we treat are dealing with depression, anxiety, and neurosis, among other mental health problems.”
Dr. Yuhabwe views the rise in men seeking mental health services as a positive development. “We’re witnessing a shift in how people with mental health issues are treated,” he says. “They are no longer shunned or discriminated against; instead, they receive support and care.”
Regarding the slight disparity between men’s and women’s mental health statistics, Dr. Yuhabwe attributes it to several factors.
“I believe the reason men’s numbers are slightly higher is that there is a growing understanding that hospitals can treat mental health issues more effectively than traditional medicine.”
Experts urge those affected by mental health issues to seek immediate and appropriate help at hospitals and clinics.
In recent years, there has been a notable change in how individuals with mental illnesses are treated. Rather than being stigmatized, people are now more likely to be taken to medical professionals by authorities or family members.
Local resident Anesie Nkundayezu shares this perspective. “Now that I understand more about mental health, I can’t imagine treating a person with a mental health illness differently. I would even stop others from doing so because people now understand it’s an illness,” Nkundayezu says.
“I would never turn away someone with a mental illness because today it may be them, but tomorrow it might be me. I encourage people to seek help, whether they feel sick or see someone mentally ill, because life can be difficult, and you never know what might happen.”
Statistics from Ndera Hospital show that in 2022-2023, the facility received 95,773 patients, with 5,646 requiring hospitalizations.
A significant 87% of these patients had psychological problems, while 13% had neurological issues. The data also reveals that 42.4% of those affected were between the ages of 20-39, 36.6% were over 40 years old, and 21% were children between 0-19 years old.