The case of youth Mental Health Support in Rwanda- Part 2

Mental health support for youth in Rwanda. Why should we care and why should we take action? 

Approximately 20.5% of the general population in Rwanda suffer from a mental, emotional, behavioral, or developmental problems. The 2018 Rwanda Mental Health Survey indicated that youth between the ages of 14 and 25, 27.4% of young Rwandans experience psychological problems including depression and trauma.

The country's economic production is directly impacted when a significant proportion of the youth population suffers from psychological problems like depression or trauma, since it reduces their capacity to work efficiently or at all. Reduced competitiveness in the global market and slower economic growth are the outcomes of a less productive workforce. Difficulties with mental health can contribute to low educational attainment, increased dropout rates, and unsatisfactory academic performance. The nation's potential for innovation, skilled labor, and economic success is limited when mental health difficulties prevent young people from completing their education, which is a vital factor in socioeconomic development.

Addressing mental health issues among the youth requires significant investments in healthcare services, including counseling and psychological support. Though these costs may strain Rwanda's healthcare system, the data we have presented is evidence that investing in mental healthcare services pays dividends for the country’s economic competitiveness.

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) do not devote adequate financial resources to mental health treatment, despite the fact that there is a $5 return on investment for every US$ 1 invested in scaled-up treatment for common mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. For example, school-based mental health interventions, such as mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), improve adolescents and youth mental health. These improvements thus translate into individual and socio-economic benefits over the course of a person's productive lifespan, as revealed by UNICEF’s global report and policy brief .

In the United States, various studies have analyzed the ROI of investing in student well-being at universities. Programs that focus on mental and physical health, such as stress management workshops, fitness programs, and counseling services, have been shown to improve academic performance and graduation rates. According to the American Council on Education, investing in mental health services for students can significantly improve student retention, leading to increased tuition revenue and greater lifetime economic productivity. For instance, a program treating 500 students with depression could generate $1 million in additional tuition revenue (assuming a rate of $20,000 per student-year) and over $2 million in lifetime productivity, while costing no more than $500,000. This demonstrates a strong economic case for mental health services, benefiting both institutions and society at large.