Mental Health: Causes, Myths and Treatment
Mental health is a vital aspect of human well-being that affects how we think, feel, and act. It also influences how we cope with stress, relate to others, and make choices.
⅗ of Mental Health Issues Linked to Drug Abuse
Mental health problems are common and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, culture, or background. Some of the most common mental health illnesses in Zimbabwe are depression, anxiety, substance abuse disorders, and organic mental disorders.
According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), Zimbabwe has one of the highest HIV seroprevalences in the world, at 13.8%.
An estimated 90% of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) know their status, and of these an estimated 88% have been initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART).
This means that many people living with HIV face additional challenges such as stigma, discrimination, poverty, and social isolation.
These factors can increase the risk of developing mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
Another cause of mental health problems in Zimbabwe is the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures that have worsened the mental health situation for children and adolescents.
The pandemic has disrupted learning opportunities, increased poverty and unemployment, reduced access to health services and social support networks, and increased exposure to violence and abuse.
These impacts can lead to increased levels of stress, trauma, grief, loneliness, fear, anger, and hopelessness among young people.
Mental Health: Causes, Myths and Treatment
Common causes of mental health illness
In Zimbabwe causes of mental illness vary depending on the type of disorder.
Depression
It is often caused by biological factors such as genetics or brain chemistry; psychological factors such as personality traits or life events; or social factors such as poverty or discrimination.
Anxiety
It is often caused by biological factors such as genetics or brain chemistry; psychological factors such as personality traits or life events; or social factors such as stress or trauma.
Substance abuse disorders
They are often caused by biological factors such as genetics or brain chemistry; psychological factors such as personality traits or coping skills; or social factors such as peer pressure or availability of drugs.
Organic mental disorders
These are often caused by physical conditions that affect the brain such as infections (e.g., meningitis), injuries (e.g., head trauma), tumors (e.g., brain cancer), strokes (e.g., ischemic stroke), epilepsy (e.g., seizures), dementia (e.g., Alzheimer's disease), or poisoning (e.g., arsenic).
Social Media Bullying and Your Mental Health
Myths and misconceptions about mental health
These can prevent people from seeking help or understanding others who are struggling. Some of the most common myths are:
Mental health problems are uncommon
This is false. Mental health problems affect one in four people in the world at some point in their lives, and they are among the leading causes of ill health and disability worldwide.
Mental health problems are a sign of weakness
This is false. Mental health problems are not caused by personal flaws or character weaknesses, but by biological, psychological, and social factors that can affect anyone regardless of intelligence, social class, or income level.
Mental health problems can be cured by willpower or positive thinking
This is false. Mental health problems require professional treatment and support to manage and recover from. Taking medication or doing self-help techniques alone is not enough to overcome mental health challenges.
Mental health problems make people violent or dangerous
This is false. Mental health problems do not cause people to act violently or harmfully towards others, unless they also have a history of trauma, abuse, or substance use that affects their judgment and impulse control.
Mental health problems are contagious or infectious
This is false. Mental health problems are not spread by contact with someone who has them, but by factors such as stress, trauma, abuse, neglect, poverty, discrimination, and stigma that can affect anyone.
Mental health problems only affect young people or children
This is false. Mental health problems can affect people of any age group, from infants to older adults. Older adults may face additional challenges such as loneliness, isolation, loss of independence, chronic illness, and bereavement that can increase their risk of developing mental health problems.
Mental health problems do not require attention or care
This is false. Mental health problems can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, well-being, relationships, work performance, and physical health if left untreated or poorly managed⁴. Seeking help for mental health problems can improve one's mood, self-esteem, coping skills, and resilience.
Mental Health: Causes, Myths and Treatment
Ways to Deal with Mental Health
There are many ways to deal with mental health issues in Zimbabwe. Some of them are:
Seeking professional help
Qualified mental health providers can offer diagnosis, treatment options (such as medication or psychotherapy), referral services (such as community-based organizations), and follow-up care.
Accessing available resources from government agencies
Government agencies such as Ministry of Health provide free or subsidized mental health services; non-governmental organizations (such as Save the Children) that provide psychosocial support; faith-based organizations (such as Catholic Church) that provide counseling; traditional healers who use herbal remedies; peer support groups who share experiences; online platforms that offer information and guidance.
75% of Zimbabwean Teachers Mentally Stressed
Practicing self-care strategies
Self-care can improve mood and well-being such as getting enough sleep; eating a balanced diet; exercising regularly; avoiding alcohol and drugs; engaging in hobbies and interests; meditating or praying; expressing emotions through writing or art.
Seeking social support from family members
Family, friends and colleagues can offer emotional practical assistance comfort validation understanding respect compassion empathy.
Challenging negative beliefs, behaviors and patterns that can contribute to low self-esteem
Avoid situations that lead to anxiety, depression, hopelessness, guilt, shame fear, anger, resentment, isolation, loneliness, sadness, grief, loss, anger, frustration, stress overload, burnout, exhaustion, fatigue, irritability, impatience, intolerance, aggressiveness, hostility, violence, and aggression.
Mental health is an important issue that deserves attention awareness action. By investing in mental health now Zimbabwe could gain economic benefits of US$ 175 million in the next 10 years and US$ 689 million in the next 20 years.
By improving mental health outcomes Zimbabwe could also enhance human development, quality of life, happiness, peace, security and stability.
