Edmund Rice Society Marks World Mental Health Day in Bulawayo

  Mental health is a frequently neglected issue, reflected in the shortage of hospitals and treatment centres available to serve an increasing number of sufferers worldwide.

Zimbabwe is no exception to this situation, so students from the Edmund Rice Society (ERS) at St Patrick’s College Bulawayo, partnered with Bulawayo Mental Health hospital officials and others to mobilize 150 people to join in a 15 km street march to raise awareness about the importance of mental health, to combat the stigma associated with those who suffer from mental illness and to challenge the government and corporate sector to invest more in this area.

The march concluded with a public address ceremony and entertainment provided by inmates from a local prison, the army band, a troupe of drum majorettes and even some patients from the mental hospital whose presence challenged the prejudices of many. The gathered crowd was also given a chance to participate through dancing and by responding to quiz questions.

The event also drew the presence of the Mayor of Bulawayo and the Chief Justice. In an address to the crowd, 14-year old Sizo Ncube, a member of the ERS, reminded the audience that “there is no health without mental health.  Mental disorders are major contributors to illness and premature death, and are responsible for 13 percent of the global disease burden.“

Sizo went on to identify poverty, unemployment, conflict and war as factors contributing to mental illness, and that the disabling nature of mental disorders often placing an increased financial burden on individuals and households. In addition, Sizo pointed out, those with mental health problems frequently endure stigma, discrimination and victimization, which deprive them of their political and civil rights and constrain their ability to participate in everyday life.

Finally the audience was reminded that cost-effective measures for preventing and treating mental disorders were available. With strong leadership, enhanced partnerships and the commitment of new resources the problems associated with mental illness could be overcome the audience was told.

Thanks to Passmore Chingwere for the information for this article