Tag: depression

The Church’s Role In Addressing Mental Health Challenges Amongst Believers

Chaplain Simbarashe Chenjerai

By Chaplain Simbarashe Chenjerai The world is facing a plethora of challenges such wars, famines, unemployment, droughts, cyclones among other ills. This has resulted in a number of public health challenges including mental health related woes. Over the years, there has been an increase in the incidence of drug and substance abuse, depression, anxiety among other mental health challenges. It is against this background that this article seeks to explore the role of the Church in addressing the growing mental health scourge. Christians and believers are not immune to mental…

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Letter To The Editor: Mental Health issues among men worrying

Healthtimes

Dear Editor I am writing to express my concern over the issue of suicides among men in our country. These suicides are being taken lightly as most of them are widely shared and discussed on social media where close to no serious deliberations and a call to action is being reached. This year alone, we have received reports of more than 8 men averaging 1 man per month committing suicide because of intimate partner relationship issues or what is being termed crimes of passion. These are only the numbers that…

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How Media and Journalists Indirectly Promote Suicide

Michael Gwarisa

MEDIA play a critical role in society and without them, the world would suffer from information deficiency. The four functions of media are to inform, persuade, transmit culture, and entertain. It requires only responsible media to have that hazard perception skill or that fifth sense that tells them beforehand the implications their message could have on individuals and society and large. By Michael Gwarisa In the wrong hands, media can be dangerous and lethal, hence the old adage, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” Media reportage of mental health…

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Exploring Depression and Mental Health In The Arts Sector

Michael Gwarisa

Information presented in this article may be triggering to some people. If you are having suicidal thoughts, please contact The Friendship Bench on +263 78 484 5294, S.A.L.T Africa, +263 773 107 7781, For Youths By Youths, Harare & Mash West 263775462468 +263773238941, Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre +263273790238 HAVE you ever come across artwork or literature of the sad clown? The sad clown is one of the most well-known paintings out there and is a paradox that tries to bring out the hidden emotional trauma and sadness that is associated with…

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COVID-19 Triggers Mental Health Disorders In Zim Frontline Doctors

Michael Gwarisa

THE absence of adequate psychosocial support services coupled with discrimination from workmates and society especially for doctors who were working in the COVID-19 frontline exposed medical doctors to numerous mental health challenges at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. By Michael Gwarisa The report was a qualitative study to explore the experiences of medical practitioners responding to COVID-19 in Zimbabwe. Presenting findings from the Health Awareness Report study, Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) Secretary General, Dr Norman Matara said the medical sector was not spared from the…

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Rise In Suicides Among Zim Male Tertiary Students Exposes Need for Peer-to-Peer Counseling in Zim Universities and Colleges

Michael Gwarisa

AS the world marks Suicide prevention Month this September, a rather disturbing trend has reared its ugly head in Zimbabwe. Within a space four weeks, two local tertiary male students have committed suicide over matters of the heart. It’s possible that there could be more other male students struggling with mental health issues right now and probably contemplating the worst and without proper mechanisms and interventions in place, more lives could be lost. By Michael Gwarisa Suicide is preventable but why is it that we continue losing lives to this…

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COVID-19 Increases Post-partum Depression Cases In Zimbabwe

Patricia Mashiri

WOMEN have been urged to seek mental health assistance soon after birth to avoid sliding into Post-partum depression especially under the prevailing  COVID-19 pandemic. By Patricia Mashiri Post-partum depression is a form of depression that occurs after childbirth. Those who develop it are at a greater risk of developing major depression later in life. In an interview with HealthTimes, Dr Kudakwashe Muchena, a the leading Psychologist in Zimbabwe said there was need to take extra care of pregnant and post-partum women as the process of birth comes with a lot…

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Mental Health in the wake of Covid19

Healthtimes
DEPRESSED AFRICAN LADY (pic by Huffington post)

The increase in community transmissions of Covid19 in Zimbabwe is causing concern in the population’s mental health. Psychological and social problems continue to rise and consequences such as stress, anxiety, depression, frustration, uncertainty and domestic violence are an increasing progression. It is therefore of utmost importance for the people of Zimbabwe to take care of their mental health. Healthcare workers: • You are likely to feel afraid, overwhelmed and experience lots of stress as the outbreak continues, it is important to acknowledge these feelings and notice when you are not…

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Coping with Retrenchment; A Mental Health Perspective

Michael Gwarisa

RETRENCHMENTS in Zimbabwe are expected to hit record numbers as a result of economic disruption from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that continues to disrupt the global economy, many employers worldwide are left with no choice but to reduce staff in order to cut costs and survive.  By Dr Kudakwashe C Muchena Zimbabwe is not immune to this as is already seen in the Hospitality and Entertainment industries. In response to this predicted wave of retrenchments, this article seeks to give a mental health…

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Friendship Bench Helps 100 000 People With Depression and Anxiety

Healthtimes

DEMAND for psychotherapeutic services has gone up in Zimbabwe as over 100 000 people suffering from depression and anxiety have accessed the Friendship Bench Services. By Kudakwashe Pembere Psychotherapy is a general term for treating mental health problems by talking with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health provider. Friendship Bench is an evidence-based intervention developed in Zimbabwe to bridge the mental health treatment gap. In Zimbabwe, there are about 15 psychiatrists in government health facilities meaning one psychiatrist tends to about a million people. “To date I can say…

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