Online Reporter
Pauline Nenerai, [email protected]
IN Zimbabwe, culture is the heartbeat of society. It shapes our identity, strengthens family bonds and teaches values such as respect, unity and compassion. For generations, these values have helped communities weather hardship, loss and uncertainty.
Yet while culture can be a source of strength and protection, it can also create barriers to healing when emotional suffering is dismissed or kept hidden.
In many homes, people experiencing emotional distress are often met with familiar expressions such as Khuyaphela (it will pass), Nyarara usanyadzise mhuri (keep quiet and do not embarrass the family), or Indoda khaikali (a man does not cry). While these phrases are usually intended to encourage resilience and endurance, they can sometimes leave people feeling unheard, isolated and unwilling to seek help.
As a result, many individuals continue to suffer in silence.
Across the country, growing numbers of cases involving depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicide are raising concern among health professionals, educators and community leaders. Despite greater awareness of mental health issues, stigma and fear of judgement continue to prevent many people, particularly young people, from accessing support when they need it most.
The impact of this silence can be devastating.
Consider the case of a teenage boy in Gwanda who loses his father and suddenly finds himself carrying expectations far beyond his years. Instead of being allowed to grieve, he is repeatedly told to be strong because he is now the man of the house.
While such advice may be well intentioned, it can place an enormous emotional burden on a young person who is still trying to process loss and uncertainty. Without counselling, guidance or opportunities to talk openly about his feelings, he may begin to withdraw from family and friends, struggle at school or turn to alcohol and drugs as a way of coping with unresolved grief.
Women often face similar challenges.
A young wife enduring emotional abuse may be advised to remain in a difficult situation because umendo unjalo (that is how marriage is). The pressure to preserve family honour and avoid bringing shame to relatives can discourage her from seeking counselling, reporting abuse or accessing other forms of support.
Over time, emotional suffering that goes unaddressed can develop into serious anxiety, depression or even thoughts of self-harm.
Cultural beliefs about illness can also influence how mental health conditions are understood and treated.
In some communities, conditions such as schizophrenia, severe depression and psychosis are often associated with witchcraft, evil spirits or angry ancestors. Families may first seek help from traditional or faith healers before approaching medical professionals.
While traditional and spiritual support systems provide comfort and play an important role in many communities, relying solely on these approaches may delay access to professional assessment and treatment, allowing symptoms to worsen before appropriate care is received.
However, recognising these challenges does not mean culture is the problem.
Zimbabwean culture remains one of the country’s greatest assets when it comes to supporting mental well-being. At the heart of this strength is the philosophy of Ubuntu, the belief that “I am because we are”.
This spirit of collective responsibility can be seen in extended families, churches, women’s groups, youth organisations and community leaders who often come together to support individuals facing hardship. Whether through practical assistance, emotional support or words of encouragement, these networks provide a powerful foundation for healing and recovery.
One of the best examples of culturally grounded mental health support is Zimbabwe’s internationally recognised Friendship Bench programme.
The initiative trains community grandmothers to provide problem-solving therapy on simple wooden benches located within communities. Its success has demonstrated that mental health interventions are most effective when they are accessible, culturally relevant and rooted in trust.
The Friendship Bench has shown that people are often more willing to seek help when support is offered in familiar and non-judgemental environments.
Families therefore have a critical role to play in changing attitudes towards mental health.
Parents and caregivers must move beyond the belief that sadness, anxiety or behavioural changes are signs of stubbornness, weakness or poor character.
Instead, they should listen carefully, ask questions and create safe spaces where children and young people can speak openly about their experiences without fear of ridicule or punishment.
Sometimes, the simple act of listening can be the first step towards healing.
Schools also have an important responsibility.
Teachers spend a significant amount of time with young people and are often among the first to notice changes in behaviour. Poor academic performance, absenteeism or withdrawal from social activities may not always be signs of laziness or indiscipline. In many cases, they may indicate deeper emotional struggles.
For this reason, schools must ensure that guidance and counselling services are available, accessible and free from stigma. Learners should feel comfortable seeking support without worrying about labels or negative perceptions from peers.
The need to prioritise mental health has become even more urgent as Zimbabwe continues to navigate economic pressures, unemployment and increasing social expectations.
These challenges place considerable stress on individuals and families, making emotional well-being just as important as physical health. Mental health should not be viewed as a private burden to be endured in silence but as a public health issue that deserves attention, investment and understanding.
As a nation, Zimbabwe must draw on the best aspects of its culture while embracing evidence-based approaches to mental health care.
Culture should inspire compassion rather than silence, and understanding rather than judgement. Communities should encourage people to speak openly about their struggles and seek help when necessary.
When traditional values of care, solidarity and Ubuntu are combined with professional mental health services, the result is stronger, healthier and more resilient communities.
Mental health is not a curse. It is not a personal failure, and it is certainly not a sign of weakness.
It is an essential part of overall health.
A society that protects the mental well-being of its people is investing in stronger families, productive communities and a more hopeful future. By listening more, judging less and ensuring that support is available to those who need it, Zimbabwe can create an environment where no one has to suffer in silence.
In the end, true strength is not found in hiding pain. It is found in acknowledging it, talking about it and seeking the help needed to heal.
