"We seriously need to invest in mental health amidst economic hardships"

By Daily News Reporter

The current economic hardships being experienced in Zambia calls for a serious investment in mental health in order to help citizens cope with the state of affairs.

Fellow countrymen and women, it is a well known fact that a number of Zambians are currently undergoing hardships financially as a result of the tough economy and because of this, we have continued seeing reports of people commiting suicide due to failure to handle this stress. A day rare passes by without us having a report (s) of suspected suicide. This is worrying and requires urgent interventions.

Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It has intrinsic and instrumental value and is integral to our well-being.

At any one time, a diverse set of individual, family, community and structural factors may combine to protect or undermine mental health. Although most people are resilient, people who are exposed to adverse circumstances – including poverty, violence, disability and inequality – are at higher risk of developing a mental health condition.

Many mental health conditions can be effectively treated at relatively low cost, yet health systems remain significantly under-resourced and treatment gaps are wide all over the world.

Mental health care is often poor in quality when delivered. Sadly, people with mental health conditions often also experience stigma, discrimination and human rights violations.

I am aware that we have one or two public Institutions offering mental health services but that is not adequate looking at current trends and human resource specifically trained to handle mental health services is inadequate. 

Secondly, we need to break the stigma surrounding mental health and institutions in the country by investing in public awareness campaigns starting from a community level. We need to establish community - based mental health centers that provide care and support options for people with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities in the community (e.g. day care centers, rehabilitation centers). Family support system also need to be encouraged.

Above all, Zambia should seriously invest in mental health like yesterday and as a matter of priority. We have seen a surge in Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases, alcohol abuse among young people continues being a source of concern and now we have the infamous "junkies" who are abusing drugs and in the end attack innocent citizens. All these are mental - related behaviors.

In an effort to tackle this matter head-on, I am calling upon government, CSOs, the church, community based organizations, politicians and the general citizenry to join me in this campaign.

Remember, a health people means a wealthy and productive nation. Together we can achieve this.