Goma – Every year on October 10, World Mental Health Day reminds us of the vital role mental health plays—especially in times of crisis. At Virunga General Referral Hospital in eastern DRC, clinical psychologist Annie Kahambu Kikoli has spent the past three years helping people heal. She shares her journey, the challenges she faces, and what keeps her going.

What are the most common psychological disorders among people in emergency situations?
In my daily work, I support patients facing a wide range of psychological disorders. Anxiety is one of the most common, as is post-traumatic stress. Some relive their trauma through nightmares; others develop hypervigilance—a state of constant alertness, as if danger could strike at any moment, even when it’s not present. Many fall into deep depression; they feel abandoned, lose all hope, and no longer find any joy in life.

Social isolation is also very common, especially among people whose body image has been altered, such as those who have undergone amputations. They often prefer to isolate themselves, to hide from others. I also see people with concentration issues and difficulties adapting… These are all invisible but very real forms of suffering.

How do you adapt your therapeutic approach to these specific needs?
Each person is unique, and I always strive to tailor my approach to their needs. I usually begin with individual therapy, which helps to better understand the patient’s symptoms and expectations. This step lays the foundation for deeper work and helps build a relationship of trust. When necessary—or when a patient could benefit from a collective dynamic—I offer group therapy. These sessions are particularly enriching; they allow participants to feel less alone in their struggles, to relate to others’ stories, and to draw comfort and strength from that solidarity.

What are the most difficult aspects of your work?
This profession is deeply human, but also emotionally demanding. Managing emotions is one of the biggest challenges. Listening to traumatic stories every day eventually takes a toll. I sometimes come home feeling completely drained.

Building trust with patients is also not always easy. Some are wary or closed off, and it can take time. The complexity of cases is another challenge: every story is different; every pain is unique. Then there’s long-term follow-up. Some patients can’t return, move to another region, or miss appointments. That makes our work even harder.

What role does psychological support play in recovery and resilience?
Psychological support plays a vital role in recovery and resilience. It provides a space to express emotions and helps prevent more serious disorders like PTSD. By working on both emotional and practical aspects of daily life, we help patients regain a sense of balance and control. Healing the body is not enough: we must also care for the mind to achieve full recovery.

What keeps you going in your work? Can you share a story that touched you?

What motivates me every day is seeing my patients getting better. Every small step forward, every smile regained reminds me that my work has meaning. I also value the educational role of psychology, which is still little known or misunderstood in some communities. Every session is an opportunity to raise awareness and help people discover their inner strength.

Among the many stories of patients I’ve supported, one of a 15-year-old girl often comes to mind. She arrived at the hospital in critical condition after experiencing extreme violence and losing her family. She no longer wanted to live. Through intensive psychological support, she gradually regained confidence, began to smile again, and started imagining a future. She wanted to honor her mother’s memory and fight for her. Upon discharge, we found someone she trusted to take her in. She told us she felt reborn. Stories like this remind me why I do this work.

What’s your message for World Mental Health Day? 

Mental health must be a priority, especially in crisis contexts. Psychologists need support to continue helping others without burning out. It would be helpful to have regular opportunities to gather with fellow professionals, to share, decompress, and refocus. This would be a concrete way to recognize our role and strengthen our ability to act. Fully integrating mental health into humanitarian responses means addressing suffering where it is often silent.