Online Reporter
Emily Chigaba
YOUTHS have called for increased awareness to challenge stigmas that prevent them from seeking mental health support, which may contribute to suicides and drug and substance abuse.
Speaking during an anti-drug and substance abuse awareness campaign held on Tuesday in Dzivaresekwa, some youths said they feel they are “dying from the inside” because of the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
The youths said authorities, churches, schools, and government can help by promoting awareness and establishing counselling centres and youth-friendly counselling services, including mobile clinics and digital platforms in communities.
They also urged greater parental engagement so caregivers can recognise and respond to signs of distress.
“Cultural beliefs and limited awareness often frame mental illness as weakness or spiritual failure.
“I wanted to talk to someone about how I was feeling.
“But I was afraid people would laugh or say I am just being dramatic. So, I kept everything inside,” said a 19-year-old student, Meshia Mukumba.
Emily Gamba, a final-year psychology student at university, said young people need psychological support. “Cultural perceptions, lack of awareness, fear of judgment, and limited access to youth-friendly services are the main drivers of stigma in the area.
“Mental illness is often attributed to spiritual causes or moral failure.
“In this regard, young people need psychological support, and authorities should establish counselling centres in communities,” she said.
Another youth, Owen, said there is need for collective efforts. “As you can see in Dzivaresekwa, youths are willing to be part of awareness campaigns.
“We need guidance as young people, and that will help save a generation.
“Schools, families, religious institutions, and policymakers should support those seeking help and should not see people who look for assistance as weak,” he said.
Experts warn that untreated mental health conditions can lead to declining academic performance, substance abuse, strained relationships, self-harm, and suicide. “Young people need to have regular mental health check-ups because, as we have seen with the rise in cases of drug and substance abuse, suicides are also becoming very common among these age groups.
“There is need for awareness campaigns and the establishment of resource centres, such as counselling sessions, in these communities and even at universities,” said Tatenda Magwaza, a mental health expert.
Mathew Masinge