08/06/2025
“Mental Illness is Real – And It’s Closer Than You Think”
In Ethiopia today, millions of people are silently suffering from mental health problems—many of them are your neighbors, friends, and even family.
But because of shame, fear, or misunderstanding, most don’t speak up or seek help.
The Numbers Speak Loudly:
Over 20% of Ethiopians (that’s 1 in every 5 people) are living with a mental health condition.
More than 9 million people are affected.
Depression alone affects more than 6.5% of the population.
Yet more than 85% of people with mental illness in Ethiopia don’t get adequate treatment.
What Is Mental Illness?
Mental illness is when the mind is not well—just like the body can get sick, so can the brain. It affects how we think, feel, and act.
