Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
IRELAND-BASED Zimbabwean mental health nurse Cleo Raem is set to share her experiences in the field through a new book, which will be launched this Friday in Dublin.
Titled “Diaries of a Mental Health Nurse”, the book was independently published under Cleo NR Books and draws on more than 20 years of Raem’s experience working in mental health services in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
According to her statement, Raem firmly believes the book will enlighten people experiencing mental health challenges, which have become a global concern.
“It offers an honest and compassionate insight into the realities of mental health nursing while exploring patient dignity, recovery, stigma, workplace pressures, staff well-being, leadership, resilience and hope.
“Diaries of a Mental Health Nurse takes readers beyond the clinical environment and presents the human experiences behind psychiatric care.
“It also recognises the emotional demands placed on nurses and other professionals who support people through some of the most difficult periods of their lives. Patient confidentiality remains protected, with identifying details removed or changed,” reads part of the statement.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Raem, who now lives in County Meath, Ireland, also shared her experiences of dealing with mental health challenges, which she hopes will benefit Zimbabweans.
“I was inspired by more than 20 years of working in mental health nursing across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
“Throughout my career, I have witnessed the realities of mental illness, the pressures faced by healthcare professionals, and the courage and resilience shown by patients and their families,” she said.
“I wanted to take readers inside a profession that is often misunderstood and show the human stories behind mental healthcare. Diaries of a Mental Health Nurse explores compassion, crisis care, stigma, racism, ethical challenges, teamwork, burnout, leadership and hope.
“All patient-related experiences have been carefully anonymised to protect confidentiality and dignity. Ultimately, I wrote the book to encourage greater understanding, reduce stigma and remind people that mental illness can affect anyone.”
She also urged Zimbabweans to take mental health seriously.
“Zimbabwe must recognise mental health as an essential part of healthcare rather than treating it as a secondary concern.
“This requires greater investment in mental health services, more trained professionals, reliable access to medication and counselling, and services that reach rural communities as well as major cities.
“Mental health support should be integrated into primary healthcare so that people can receive early assessment and intervention at their local clinics. Schools, universities and workplaces should also have mental health education and support programmes.
“Zimbabwe could further benefit from partnerships involving the Government, healthcare professionals, community organisations, the diaspora and international partners. Most importantly, people experiencing mental illness must be treated with dignity and compassion rather than judgement, isolation or discrimination.”
Raem called for a change in mindset when addressing mental health issues.
“Change must begin with honest conversations in families and communities. Mental illness should not be regarded as a source of shame, personal weakness or spiritual failure.
“Community health workers, teachers, church leaders, traditional leaders and other trusted community figures can be trained to recognise early warning signs and guide people towards professional help. Mental health information should be provided in local languages and in ways that respect Zimbabwean culture.
“Communities could establish support groups, safe spaces and outreach programmes where people can speak openly without fear of being judged.
“Grassroots work should, therefore, focus on awareness, prevention, early identification and clear referral pathways to qualified professionals,” she said.
