Stories Network Malawi - SNM

Stories Network Malawi - SNM Mental health Awareness and Support Services

Is ADHD causing tension in your relationship?From the guilt of neglecting your partner to pushing them away out of fear,...
15/12/2024

Is ADHD causing tension in your relationship?
From the guilt of neglecting your partner to pushing them away out of fear, ADHD can make love feel harder than it should be.

An Alarming Trend: The Rising Male Su***de Rates in MalawiIn the first half of 2024, Malawi has witnessed a concerning r...
08/09/2024

An Alarming Trend: The Rising Male Su***de Rates in Malawi

In the first half of 2024, Malawi has witnessed a concerning rise in su***de cases, particularly among men. According to a report by the Malawi Police, 276 su***des were recorded between January and June, with an overwhelming majority being men. The data reveals that of the total cases, 240 were male, while only 36 were female. This stark gender disparity highlights a pressing issue that demands attention.

The month-by-month breakdown of the su***des paints a grim picture. In January, 39 men and 6 women took their lives, a total of 45 su***des. February saw a slight decline with 43 cases (37 men and 6 women), while March reported 33 male su***des and 5 female su***des, totaling 38. April experienced a slight increase, with 33 male and 7 female su***des, bringing the total to 40. The numbers spiked in May with 57 su***des, 51 of which were men, the highest recorded in the six-month period. June saw a similar pattern, with 47 men and 6 women ending their lives, reaching 53 cases.

These numbers are alarming and prompt several questions. Why are men disproportionately affected? Why is su***de becoming a pervasive issue in Malawi? Mental health, social pressures, economic difficulties, and cultural expectations might be contributing factors, but the underlying reasons remain complex and multifaceted.

In many societies, including Malawi, men are often expected to fulfill certain roles, such as being the breadwinner or maintaining emotional strength, which may prevent them from seeking help when struggling. The data, especially the stark contrast between male and female cases, reflects the need for more targeted interventions aimed at addressing mental health issues among men.

Su***de prevention efforts must include accessible mental health services, public awareness campaigns, and breaking the stigma around men expressing emotional vulnerability. Understanding the underlying causes of male su***de is crucial to reversing this trend and saving lives.

The message behind these figures is clear: action must be taken to provide better support systems for men and foster an environment where mental health issues can be openly discussed and addressed without shame. Addressing this growing crisis requires collective effort from families, communities, the government, and mental health professionals to create a society where people feel safe reaching out for help when they need it most.

The numbers presented in this report are more than statisticsβ€”they represent individuals, families, and communities torn apart by loss. The time to act is now, before the numbers continue to rise and more lives are tragically cut short.

By: Khamisa Chisale

31/08/2024

What improved your quality of life so much that you wish you did it sooner?

π‘π’π¬πž 𝐒𝐧 πƒπžπ©π«πžπ¬π¬π’π¨π§ 𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚π₯𝐚𝐰𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐬: 𝐖𝐨𝐫π₯𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐀 π‘πžπ©π¨π«π­ 𝐇𝐒𝐠𝐑π₯𝐒𝐠𝐑𝐭𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐒𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚π₯ π‡πžπšπ₯𝐭𝐑 𝐂𝐫𝐒𝐬𝐒𝐬A new World Bank report has...
29/08/2024

π‘π’π¬πž 𝐒𝐧 πƒπžπ©π«πžπ¬π¬π’π¨π§ 𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚π₯𝐚𝐰𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐬: 𝐖𝐨𝐫π₯𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐀 π‘πžπ©π¨π«π­ 𝐇𝐒𝐠𝐑π₯𝐒𝐠𝐑𝐭𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐒𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚π₯ π‡πžπšπ₯𝐭𝐑 𝐂𝐫𝐒𝐬𝐒𝐬

A new World Bank report has raised alarms about the increasing levels of depression among Malawians, linking this troubling trend to worsening poverty and financial distress in the country. According to the recently published Malawi Economic Monitor (MEM) report, a survey conducted in June 2023 revealed that one in three Malawians exhibited symptoms of depressionβ€”a significant increase from previous years.

This growing mental health crisis is a stark indicator of the socio-economic challenges facing the nation. The MEM report suggests that the rate of depression among Malawians is now comparable to levels seen in other regions facing severe economic hardships. The survey’s findings are based on the Personal Health Questionnaire Depression Scale, a widely recognized tool for assessing mental health.

The report emphasizes the impact of food insecurity on mental well-being, with more than half of the respondents experiencing both food insecurity and symptoms of depression. This correlation is not surprising, given that the country’s economic situation has led to widespread unemployment, reduced income levels, and increased cost of living. As households struggle to meet their basic needs, the psychological toll on individuals has become evident.

One particularly concerning aspect highlighted in the report is the rise in su***de cases, which have seen a dramatic increase. According to earlier reports from the Malawi Police Service, there were 366 su***de cases in 2023, a significant rise from 269 cases reported in 2022. The majority of these cases were linked to financial hardships and other economic pressures, reflecting the deepening despair among the population.

The World Bank’s findings also point to the broader implications of the depression crisis for Malawi's economic recovery. The path to economic stability, already strained by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global economic shocks, could be further impeded by the growing mental health issues among the population. The pandemic, which has eroded livelihoods and exacerbated poverty, continues to cast a long shadow over the country's economic prospects.

As Malawi grapples with these challenges, the MEM report calls for urgent interventions to address the underlying causes of depression. Improving food security, creating job opportunities, and providing financial assistance to vulnerable groups are among the recommended strategies to alleviate the psychological burden on Malawians.

In conclusion, the World Bank report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize mental health in the national development agenda. With depression rates on the rise, there is an urgent need for comprehensive mental health services and support systems to help Malawians cope with the ongoing economic crisis. Failure to address this issue could have far-reaching consequences for the country's social and economic stability.

Adolescent Mental Health in Malawi: The Impact of Socioeconomic Deprivation. UNICEF Malawi reveals that nearly 70% of ch...
26/08/2024

Adolescent Mental Health in Malawi: The Impact of Socioeconomic Deprivation.

UNICEF Malawi reveals that nearly 70% of children in Malawi are multi-dimensionally poor, facing various forms of socioeconomic deprivation. This harsh reality profoundly impacts the mental health of adolescents, a critical stage in life where emotional and psychological well-being is shaped.

Living in poverty often leads to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. Adolescents may struggle with feelings of hopelessness, substance abuse, and even suicidal thoughts due to the pressures of instability and deprivation. Exposure to violence and trauma further exacerbates these mental health challenges.

Addressing this crisis requires strengthening mental health services and social support systems. Schools, communities, and healthcare facilities must provide accessible mental health care and education. Additionally, tackling the root causes of poverty by improving access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities can help protect the mental well-being of Malawi’s youth.

In short, addressing the mental health of adolescents in Malawi is not just a necessity but a critical investment in the country’s future.

By: Aubrey Khamisa Chisale
πŸ“Έ: UNICEF Malawi

17/08/2024

Breathe in peace, breathe out stress. You’ve got this.

10/06/2024

June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month. At Mika Greenland , we recognize the importance of mental well-being for everyone. As you consider investing in land with us, remember that a sound mind is crucial for making sound decisions. Let's prioritize mental health together for a healthier, more prosperous future.

Here’s to being more persistent and enduring πŸ’š via .joan.short Mental Health Matters By Kylie Verzosa
24/04/2024

Here’s to being more persistent and enduring πŸ’š via .joan.short Mental Health Matters By Kylie Verzosa

Atomic Habits by James Clear, illustrated 🎯Repost from Tyler Wise
10/11/2023

Atomic Habits by James Clear, illustrated 🎯

Repost from Tyler Wise

07/10/2023

Take a moment to remember: There’s help, There’s Hope!

Abandonment issues can stem from childhood loss, and traumas that could have you deal with chronic fear of being alone β€”...
22/09/2023

Abandonment issues can stem from childhood loss, and traumas that could have you deal with chronic fear of being alone β€” understanding what triggers you and learning to withdraw when these triggers come up is the first step.

Always check yourself for people-pleasing behaviors as this may exhaust you in the long run.

Dealing with such fear can sometimes be extreme that it could actually affect your quality of life & relationships.

Remember, it’s okay to seek help through mental experts & therapy.

Photos via
Copied: Mental Health Matters By Kylie Verzosa

09/04/2023

WHAT IS DEPRESSION???

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. It is a complex condition that affects a person's mood, thoughts, behavior, and physical well-being. Depression can be mild or severe, short-term or long-lasting, and can interfere with a person's ability to function in their daily life. Some common symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness or emptiness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and thoughts of self-harm or su***de. Depression can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors, and it can be treated with a variety of therapies, including medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.

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