BUJUMBURA, March 28th (ABP) – Social platforms play a crucial role in raising public awareness of mental health, especially in countries where psychology is not known or understood, according to Jean Marie Vianney Mpawenimana, founder of “Mind care”, a platform that raises awareness of mental health.
He said that he launched that platform in 2019, after noticing that Burundian society is unaware of psychology and the role of a psychologist. The main aim of creating that platform was to raise awareness among the Burundian population, especially young people, so that they would have some knowledge of mental health.
Mpawenimana also revealed that he had founded a psychology club on the campuses of the University of Burundi, where debates on various topics were held, but that he had also decided to create a Facebook page and a blog. According to him, the debates only took place on campus, and he needed to find another way (an influential space) for information about mental health to reach a wider audience.
According to Mpawenimana, some Burundians see a psychologist as someone who reads people’s minds, and sometimes they are prejudiced against him, which limits the number of people who consult him for mental health problems.
Mpawenimana also points out that Burundians have lived through dark times in the past, adding that even now they face various difficulties in life, such as disappointment, the high cost of living, divorce and so on. He says that they need to be healed, and that that is only possible with the help of psychologists.
He says that that platform has helped to change the mentality of Burundians, particularly with regard to the understanding that mental illnesses should not be treated by traditional healers or pastors. Instead, they should be treated by a psychologist. That shows that an important step has been taken,” he believes.
“In our publications, we base ourselves on the discussions and teachings of teacher-researchers from the University of Burundi, who are experts in psychology”, explains Mpawenimana, stressing that that helps subscribers to their Facebook page and blog to acquire sufficient knowledge about mental health.
He was keen to point out that Mind Care does not provide care or therapeutic sessions. It limits itself to advice on mental health, written articles, debates and conferences. If the patient needs treatment, he explained, the Mind Care team refers them to another competent centre.
Despite the platform’s efforts, Mpawenimana points out that it is difficult to work with young people in financial difficulty, which creates challenges, particularly financial ones, in moving the activities forward. He also mentions the difficulties involved in mobilising young people, who are often busy with their studies, and the irregularities within the group. To overcome the financial challenges, they look for sponsors or sometimes cover the costs themselves. He stresses the importance of patience and tolerance in managing the team and avoiding finding oneself alone in the project.