Renowned author and publisher Faith Mudiwa Chipangura, has released a captivating exploration of mental health challenges book entitled “Coming Clean.”
By Ntokozo Gudu
The book was published by Phoenix Publishing and to date has already received overwhelming responses. ‘Coming Clean’ was launched by Chipangura on her social media platforms.
In an interview with HealthTimes, Chipangura said the book addresses sensitive topics with compassion and empathy hence destigmatizing mental health,
The book plays a crucial role in destigmatizing conversations around mental health,it encourages open dialogue, helping to create a society that supports and uplifts individuals wrestling with these challenges,” she said.
“The book appeals to a wide range of readers including individuals dealing with mental health challenges, their loved ones looking to understand and support them,healthcare professionals seeking insights,and society as a whole in search of ways to address this pressing issue.’’
She also highlighted on the title inspiration saying ‘Coming Clean’ reflects on the stigmatization faced by people suffering from mental health disorders. She said it was important for such people to ‘come clean’ by admitting these issues openly to get help.
Chipangura said her book addresses issues from a point of understanding as most of the times, mental health issues are stigmatized.
“Sometimes these people are viewed as dramatic. So coming out is getting to a point of saying i am admitting that I am facing difficulties privately and quietly and I need help,’’ she said.
She added, “This is coming from a personal narrative, you could be struggling mentally, physically, frustrations and going through so many  things emotionally, but your family has no idea because you are covering it up. This book is inviting everyone in that place of introspection of reflecting if you are okay mentally.”
Chipangura said she paid attention to mental health issues in her book as it also came from a personal experience,
‘’It was important to reflect on mental health issues because I experienced it too. last year August, I battled personally for my life against depression so my personal experience then awakened me to a realization that mental health issues have no face, no name it could be anyone suffering silently.’’
Following the death of a family member during the height of COVID-19, Chipangura took it upon herself to raise awareness of mental health issues through her writing.
“I lost a family member during the Covid-19 to suicide due to mental health issues then this actually became a personal thing because I was no longer hearing it from outside because I had experienced it first hand, so I took it on myself to bring awareness on mental health issues,’’ she said.
Chipangura reflected on the positive changes she would like to see in the lives of people suffering from mental health disorders.
“I would like to see people facing these challenges to come to a place of acceptance,knowing very well that there is nothing wrong going through depression and that it could be anyone ,it is something they can overcome, by opening up to anyone who has good intentions,either professionals or family members,’’ she said.
“Also to start the conversation, I would people battling with mental health issues to come to the open and educate other people and having the conversation buzzing, in schools, in communities, in churches especially in churches, let us not hide behind spirituality but let us address these issues creating spaces which accommodate people battling with depression and suicidal thoughts.”
