Andrew
SOMETHING very wrong, requiring immediate action, is happening among us.
People seem to be under pressure to outdo each other in doing wrong and undignified things that can only make Rachel, the biblical mother of the nations, weep in her grave.
Only this week, Chitungwiza residents woke up to horrifying reports that a mentally-challenged homeless young lass who loiters around Makoni Shopping Centre is seven months pregnant for whoever God knows.
Reports are that men of various shapes and sizes, including businessmen and kombi crews, were having it their way with the defenceless woman whom they plied with food.
The young woman reportedly knows the men who have been abusing her and the community has even witnessed some lustful men seducing her.
This is an abomination and unacceptable in the strictest sense of the word.
If we were still in the Deuteronomic era where one would be struck to death the moment they committed evil, you would be surprised at the ages, numbers and type of people who would be killed.
Word has it that married men of economic means were taking turns to abuse the young woman.
But until when will society just watch, fold its hands and continue with life as if nothing would have happened.
“Nyika kwayavakuenda, hapana achaidzora kumawere, kunotyisa. Vanhu vaye havachatya kufa, vakutorwira kuda kuona anotanga kufa. Kana kudovayambira, hapana achanzwa takutotarisa kwazvinoperera. Vaonoti musi waunofa, yaguma kwauri vanosara tosara tichienda mberi,” sang the late lyrist Marshall Munhumumwe in this smash hit called “Kumawere”.
True to the late singer’s observations, there is a cancer that is eating into the moral fibre of the world.
People have just lost moral consciousness or perhaps this arises from lack of knowledge on what mental illness is and how to treat people living with that condition.
According to experts, mental illness is a condition which causes serious disorder in a person’s behaviour or thinking.
The brain is the most complex organ in the human body.
Mental illness occurs when the brain, just like any other organ such as the heart, or the kidney, is not working the way it should.
Mental illness is a collection of disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety.
Through lack of knowledge, people have been seen tying up people with a mental illness and beating them.
But this is not the way to handle the situation.
Listen with an open mind: Let them know they are not alone and tell them they have your unconditional love and support. Be available to listen…really listen, without judgment.
According to The Providence Centre’s clinical trainer Lawrence Miller, just being open and willing to give your support is often a big help.
“Empathy appears to be communicated through facial expression, body language and tone of voice,” said Miller.
“Generally, individuals who have a psychiatric illness are not searching for a person who feels as they do; they are searching for someone who is trying to understand what they feel.”
Be that person for them.
Do not make comments like “you are fine”.
Although you may think you are being helpful, comments like these can make someone feel criticised and humiliated for feeling the way they do. Their condition is serious and likely cannot be brushed off.
Try your best to make them feel comfortable and secure in sharing their emotions.
Do not be afraid to ask questions. Your friend does not expect you to already understand what they are going through. Respectfully ask about their symptoms and how they are feeling.
They may not want to give you all the answers, but that is okay; they will know you care simply because you took the time to ask.
While you may experience periods of sadness, refrain from comparing those feelings to their current situation. Similarly, encourage them to seek help and also find out if the person is receiving the necessary care.
They may refuse to seek help and even get angry with you. It is important to remind them that mental health problems are treatable and they do not have to feel this way forever.
For most people with mental health disorders, taking medicine is a big step and can be scary. Today there is still a stigma surrounding the medical treatment for these conditions.
However, there are a variety of drugs prescribed by professionals that can really help patients feel like themselves again.
According to Forbes’, Tori Utley, “Many patients who are on psychotropic medications — antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilisers, etcetera — often find the right dosage and type of medication based on trial and error.”
The lesson here is that, be patient, supportive and most importantly, non-judgmental as your loved one finds the medication that suits their specific needs.
Help out with daily tasks.
Getting out of bed can feel like a chore. Wondering what you can do to help? Grab the mail, wash a few dishes or take out the garbage. Any small act of kindness can really help and will be appreciated.
Likewise, do not pressure those suffering from mental illness to stay busy. A day trip or a night out will take your loved one’s mind off their issue. You can also invite them to a social event.
But do not expect this be a solution.
Whatever they may be dealing with is not easily solved by kicking back and relaxing to snap out of a bad mood. Keep this in mind and trust that their decision to not take part is the right decision for them.
Those suffering from mental illness tend to distance themselves from their loved ones, not because they dislike your company, but because they feel like a burden.
Do not pressure them to spend more time with you or to talk about their problems.
In conclusion, remember that what they are going through is not about you and is not your fault.
Gentle reader, we can make the world a better place by loving and caring for one another.
Inotambika mughetto.
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