BUJUMBURA, May 28 (ABP) – Family and community play an important role in supporting people with mental disorders, according to Dr. Godelieve Nimubona, Psychiatrist.
In an interview with ABP last week, Dr. Nimubona explained that a mental illness is characterized by a major clinical alteration of an individual’s cognitive state, emotional regulation, or behavior.
According to her, there are several types of mental disorders, including neuroses, acute and chronic psychoses, mood disorders, as well as substance addictions such as alcohol, cannabis, heroin, and nicotine.
Mental disorders represent a major public health challenge because, she said, they encompass a wide range of conditions affecting thought, emotions, behavior, and consequently a person’s ability to lead a fulfilling life. Their impacts on human health are profound and multifaceted, going far beyond the psychological sphere.
Physically, Dr. Nimubona explained that these mental disorders can manifest through a variety of symptoms. Depression, for example, is often associated with chronic fatigue, sleep and appetite disturbances, as well as unexplained pain.
Psychologically, the impact is direct and often disabling. People with mental disorders may experience intense emotional suffering, difficulties concentrating, memory problems, and an altered perception of reality. Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, feelings of despair, and suicidal thoughts are serious manifestations requiring urgent care.
She noted that social isolation, stigma, and discrimination associated with mental disorders compound this suffering and can hinder seeking help and recovery. Moreover, mental disorders can impact families and loved ones who may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or guilty, she declared.
In the Burundian cultural context, family and community play an important role in supporting people with mental disorders, Dr. Nimubona emphasized, adding that raising awareness among families and communities, fighting stigma, and strengthening informal support networks are crucial aspects of care.
Initiatives aimed at educating families about the nature of mental illnesses and how to support their loved ones are essential.
Furthermore, according to Dr. Nimubona, treatment of mental disorders still faces major challenges, including a shortage of mental health professionals, limited access to medications and specialized treatments, stigma and discrimination against affected individuals, as well as a lack of financial resources.
However, Dr. Nimubona notes a growing awareness of the importance of mental health at the national level and efforts made to strengthen capacities, improve access to care, and fight stigma. These constitute crucial steps to improve the quality of life for people with mental disorders in Burundi.
The care and treatments available in Burundi for people with mental disorders mainly include psychiatric consultations, psychopharmacological treatments, psychotherapies, and psychological support, with increasing integration at the primary care level and an important role played by family and community.
Dr. Léopold Ndikuriyo, who is in charge of the National Integrated Program for the Fight Against Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases (PNILMCNT) at the Ministry of Public Health, indicated that the ministry is committed to continuing the integration of mental health care at all levels by strengthening the capacities of human resources in mental health, establishing tools for prevention and management of mental disorders, advocating for the recruitment of psychologists and psychiatric nurses in schools, as well as improving access to essential psychotropic medications in both quality and quantity.
According to him, the prevention and fight against mental health problems and their risk factors must be a common struggle because mental health is a universal human right, he emphasized, adding that there is no health without mental health.