Covid-19 pandemic effects has touched almost all aspects of lives in numerous ways. The stress associated with this pandemic might have distinctly increased emotional distress, worry and anxiety amongst people students, staff and their families.
In response to crisis, the University of Rwanda’s Center for Mental Health is providing free mental health support services for the university’s community.
“This initiative has been put in place to support students and staff to cope with uncertainties and mental health complications that comes with the pandemic,” Dr, Vincent Sezibera, Director of the Center for Mental Health, explained.
He added: “We will continue looking for best solutions to mental health issues among students and our community as we hear more from beneficaries in the upcoming surveys.”
How does one book an appointment?
Using this link https://cmh.ur.ac.rw/COVID-19MentalHealth/ you can book an appointment by responding to the questions in the live chat including describing your problem, choosing the mode of communication among others.
What will happen if I request an appointment?
After submitting your request to a counselor, a message will be sent to you in less than 24hrs via email to confirm that your request has been received with a list of suggestions for an appointment. You will then be appointed one of the qualified counselors, depending on the nature of problem you described and the availability
What will happen during the counseling session
After being appointed to a counselor, you will receive an email with full details. Date, time, and name of the counselor. You will also find a link which will direct you to the live chat during the therapy session, at the appointed time.
The counseling session will be a live chat between a client and the counselor. For people who are new to counseling, the counselor will ask you to explain your difficulty and ask you some questions in order to understand your situation and be able to help you.
In addition, depending on the client’s goals, the counselor discusses with the client about the number of sessions required to meet those goals.
This program is expected to continue even after the Covid-19 outbreak.
For more information about psychoeducation and mental health-related resources, visit https://cmh.ur.ac.rw/COVID-19MentalHealth/ and their Instagram https://www.instagram.com/centre4mentalhealth/ for more upcoming mental health Instagram live open talks.