Mental Health: A Misconstrued Condition

By Diana Tsitsi Munharira, Guest Writer

Every time the words mental health are mentioned, the average African will think about insanity if not witchcraft, there is so much prejudice, myths surrounding the condition. Growing up, we were conditioned to believe it is a white people illness, something alien to my kith and kin. If one of us would get it, witchcraft will be ascribed, but what really is mental health?

Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, act and helps us navigate life’s challenges. A good mental health is indispensable for achieving personal growth, building strong relationships, making healthy choices and enjoying life.

Mental disorders, also known as mental illnesses or psychiatric disorders are conditions that affect a person’s thinking, feeling, behaviour and mood .These conditions can influence one’s ability to function in daily life and interact with others.

Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and schizophrenia are some of the common mental health conditions. Contrary to common beliefs and peddled myths, mental conditions have medically proven diagnosis and treatment.

Whilst there are clinical, psycho-social support ways to deal with mental health illnesses, intentional practices and habits that promote mental health, resilience and overall well-being are critical to deal with factors that lead to mental health challenges. This is broadly referred to as mental wellness.

It involves taking care of your physical, emotional and mental needs, being present and aware of your thoughts, feeling and surroundings .Managing stress, anxiety and other emotions .Focusing on the good .practising gratitude and reframing negative thoughts, building and maintaining healthy relationships. Uninterruptedly learning, developing and challenging yourself, this is in addition to healthy living habits like getting enough sleep to deal with fatigue.

In terms of medical and non-medical treatment and help availed the people suffering from mental health related, Zimbabwe has made strides with public and private facilities available for both institutional and outpatient treatment 

One can seek help in government hospitals such us Harare Hospital (Psychiatric Unit) Parirenyatwa (Psychiatric Unit) and private hospitals for instance Avenues Clinic (Harare) and Mater Dei Hospital(Bulawayo). Mental health institutes like Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital in Masvingo also offer medical treatment .Non-Governmental Organisations such as ZIMHAM and ZASW. In addition private practitioners for instance counsellors, psychiatrists and psychologists. To sum up the country also has a hotline National Mental Health Hotline 08080074(toll free) where people can call to get counselling services and related services and referrrals.

Remember, mental health conditions are not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign that you need support and care. You are deserving of love, compassion, and understanding – from yourself and others.

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