A Chinhoyi woman has died due to complications caused by a suicide attempt.
Theresa Chawasarira (38) died at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital from intoxication caused by the tablets she took whilst trying to commit suicide. Unfortunately, she had already used the tablets to kill her children aged six and eight.
According to the Herald, Theresa’s brother said his sister had no marital problems and he would help the family whenever the husband asked for assistance. He said:
“I believe my sister was living happily with his family. We just suspect that she had some suicidal issues that accumulated to such levels.
Maybe she failed to accept her husband’s relocation to Harare where he now works.”
Sadly the brother’s remarks reflect the thoughts and attitude of many towards mental health and wellbeing in Zimbabwe. The wrongful assumption is that as long as someone looks and behaves happily it means they have no issues. And it is the reason why people that suffer from depression and other mental disorders live in denial or refuse to reach out.
Mental health refers to cognitive, behavioural, and emotional well-being. It is all about how people think, feel, and behave. People sometimes use the term “mental health” to mean the absence of a mental disorder. Mental health can affect daily living, relationships, and physical health.
As long as one has a brain they are at risk of mental illness. Factors in people’s lives, interpersonal connections, and physical factors can all contribute to mental health disruptions. Efforts to look after your mental health can preserve your ability to enjoy life. Doing this involves reaching a balance between life activities, responsibilities, and efforts to achieve psychological resilience.
Conditions such as stress, depression, and anxiety can all affect mental health and disrupt a person’s routine. Everyone has some risk of developing a mental health disorder, no matter their age, sex, income, or ethnicity.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
“Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
Having limited financial means or belonging to a marginalized or persecuted ethnic group can increase the risk of mental health disorders. How many people in Zimbabwe are experiencing financial challenges? The rate of employment alone is a reflection of who is at risk of mental illness.
There is an urgent need to remove the stigma associated with mental illness. The growing number of cases of suicide victims is alarming. Even without statistics, the headlines are too many. The recent death of Riky Rick is another example as he follows other celebrities like rapper HHP and rapper AKAs girlfriend that also committed suicide within the last decade.
It is important that we encourage each other as Zimbabweans to safeguard the mental health of ourselves and others. To watch over each other and give sound counsel to seek help when it is needed. There is no physical test or scan that reliably indicates whether a person has developed a mental illness. However, people should look out for the following as possible signs of a mental health disorder:
- withdrawing from friends, family, and colleagues
- avoiding activities that they would normally enjoy
- sleeping too much or too little
- eating too much or too little
- feeling hopeless
- having consistently low energy
- using mood-altering substances, including alcohol and nicotine, more frequently
- displaying negative emotions
- being confused
- being unable to complete daily tasks, such as getting to work or cooking a meal
- having persistent thoughts or memories that reappear regularly
- thinking of causing physical harm to themselves or others
- hearing voices
- experiencing delusions
It’s common to hear people talking about visiting the GP (General Practioner) or doctor for headaches, wounds, stomach aches or any other general ailment. But it is rare to hear someone talk about seeing a Psychologist or Therapist. Chances are you don’t even know the name of a Psychologist or Therapist. You probably also do not think your mind would need as much attention as your other body organs like your heart, liver, kidneys etc. Yet your mind is at risk as long as you live, think and breathe.