Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
STAKEHOLDERS have raised alarm over Zimbabwe’s worsening mental health crisis, warning that suicide, drug abuse and depression are exacting a heavy toll on communities, particularly among young people and men.
The concerns came during the launch of the Women’s University in Africa (WUA) suicide prevention campaign, “Light in the Darkness,” held in Harare yesterday.
WUA communications and marketing manager, Mrs Gertrude Makurashe, said the campaign was aimed at restoring hope in communities struggling with despair.
“We have discovered that suicide is an ongoing concern in the communities surrounding us,” she said.
“This initiative comes at the right time, as we engage with communities and offer help in their time of need.
“We hope more people will catch on and spread hope to those they are living with.”
She noted that young people were increasingly at risk, with students and youths now “trending in suicides.”
“That is why we are taking this message into schools. Next week we will be at Mabvuku High School, where our peer educators and marketing students will talk to learners, alongside guidance and counselling teachers.”
The Zimbabwe National Association for Mental Health (ZIMNAMH) chairperson, Ms Gamuchirai Tonga, described the campaign as a crucial step towards tackling stigma and raising awareness.
“As an association, we recognise and promote the rights of people with mental disabilities, and we see suicide prevention as part of that mission.
“This event has been very momentous for us because it is a day where we recognise that we have mental health challenges that are rampant. We are here to help the community identify warning signs, reduce stigma and understand that recovery is possible.”
Zimbabwe Community Health Intervention Research (ZICHIRE) director, Mr Walter Chikanya, said suicides now account for 1.8 percent of total deaths nationally — equivalent to almost 17 deaths per 100 000 people.
“Worldwide, men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women. Sadly, here in Zimbabwe we also see the elderly being at risk,” he said.
To address the crisis, ZICHIRE is setting up a drop-in centre in Mabvuku, designed to provide counselling, psychosocial support, rehabilitation and recreational activities.
The centre will also link to ZICHIRE’s Brother to Brother programme, which targets young men aged 10 to 24.
“We want to provide a safe space where young people can talk about their challenges, get counselling, play games like chess and volleyball, and also acquire life skills such as carpentry and wood machining.
“We believe young people need something productive to do, otherwise idleness pushes them to drugs and other destructive behaviours,” said Mr Chikanya.
