Youths fight mental health

Ashley Mujoma

A youth organisation, For Youths By Youths (FYBY), in partnership with the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) has urged people to seek professional help in fighting mental health issues.

The two organisations discussed issues of mental health, sexual reproductive health and rights in Mufakose on Wednesday.

FYBY executive director, Wilbert Jena, encouraged people to find professionals to talk to about their problems.

“The best way of dealing with mental health issues is to find a professional person or a close person to talk to if one feels they are not okay.

“l think it’s wise to find counselling or even go to rehab because the rate at which mental health is killing people is rising each day,” he said.

Jena urged young people to frequently check on their beloved ones as most people are suffering from mental health in silence.

“Suicide cases in Zimbabwe are increasing each day and in most cases the majority of people commit suicide due to mental health issues.

“Most of them get depressed and fail to find someone to talk to resulting in them killing themselves,” said Jena.

Lovejoy Masango from ZNFPC shared with young females how to maintain menstrual hygiene.

“Bathing regularly is key and pads must be changed at least four times a day,” said Masango. After the session, they distributed sanitary pads to every girl at the gathering.