Call for more awareness on mental health

Paidamoyo Bore

MENTAL health experts have called for more awareness on mental health issues to combat stigma, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month.

Gamuchirai Chinamasa, a mental health advocate, emphasised the need for open dialogue in communities, families and schools.

Therapist Linos Muvhu, leader of Society for Pre and Post Natal Services, called for investment in mental health education.

Both experts stressed the importance of trained mental health therapists to provide help, highlighting the impact of childhood abuse, trauma, neglect, discrimination and long-term stress on mental health.

“Awareness is needed to end stigma, and communities need to start talking openly and accepting the reality of the situation.

“Mental health issues also require immediate action when needed,” said Chinamasa.

Muvhu said mental and physical health should be treated the same and awareness campaigns to educate people should be held.

“People are suffering inside and do not speak out due to the stigma associated with the issue.

“People avoid being labelled when they face mental issues and will not speak out because awareness is still low.”

Muvhu also emphasised the need to invest in education to come up with sustainable measures.

He said more trained mental health therapists were needed to help people in need of their services.

“The more therapists available to the people, the cheaper the options to get help.

“Mental health issues need people who are trained to deal with them.

“It is not for everyone hence human capital is a vital aspect when looking at how mental health issues can be tackled,” he said.

He said May was important to his organisation as it would be raising its voices to promote sound mental health for all.

“Society needs to know that mental health care is important and should be a priority.

“We start prioritising the mental health of a person before and after birth, thus protecting the future generation,” he said.