This highlights a growing concern for mental health in the country. Depression, a global illness affecting millions regardless of age, origin, or gender, is often misunderstood or downplayed in Burkina Faso, sometimes perceived as a "rich person's or white person's disease." This perception can hinder individuals from seeking help and accessing care.
Testimonies reveal the profound impact of depression, with individuals like E. B., a teacher, sharing how family difficulties led to her struggle, culminating in suicidal thoughts. She emphasizes the importance of being heard and supported, especially by loved ones. Awa, a communicator, also recounts her battle with depression, characterized by isolation and an inability to express her suffering, despite maintaining a facade of normalcy.
Mental health professionals, such as Dr. Daniel Sorgho, a psychiatrist, confirm the widespread nature of depression, noting that it affects all demographics. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 4% of the global population suffers from depression, and suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 20. A 2018 study in Burkina Faso found depression to be the most frequent mental disorder, affecting 11.6% of those surveyed.
Dr. Sorgho stresses the need for increased awareness
