29/05/2025
Mental Health Crisis Knocks
By Samuel Zulu, (Director Ubuntu Counseling Services) 29-05-2025.
One of the most neglected health issues is Mental Health. It’s sad that majority people have not realized that over 70% of people admitted in various health facilities have had neglected mental issues which led to current situation.
Here are few examples; whenever someone causes road traffic accident, officers focuses more on the physical aspect without interrogating the mental aspect of the accused person. There are so many people on the road driving under mental stress hence negative judgment on the road.
Further, majority ladies carried and are carrying unwanted pregnancy because they were caught up in a moment in a bid to clear up their emotional stress they faced which resulted in taking alcohol, drugs and eventually had unprotected s*x and on top of that they even got s*xually transmitted illnesses. In addition, the man responsible even rejected the pregnancy or refused to take responsibilities. Thus increasing more mental stress disorder on her which leads to abortion or miscarriages.
Furthermore, one of the addictive phenomena which is seriously leading many into mental illnesses today is unthinkable obsession for Smart Phones for the purpose of having access to internet betting sites and social media platforms. This addiction has led to dysfunctional relationships, dysfunctional work culture, dysfunctional family, dysfunctional communication, major source of marriage divorces, poor academic performance at school and general mental disorder as majority people can’t afford to spend 10 minutes without touching their phones.
The statistics reported by The State Media (ZNBS) as cited by NKANI Online Media are very alarming and threatening. Sadly, what we are witnessing now will be nothing compared to what we are going to witness in few years to come because majority people do not take their mental health issues seriously. For instance, the past 3 years, Ubuntu Counselling Services has been trying to offer professional counseling services almost free of charge but people are not willing to seek professional help.
Therefore, there is serious need to change our mindset, behaviour and attitudes towards mental health issues. Otherwise, we are unconsciously battling mental illnesses in unprofessional manner.
Note: The writer is a mental health professional expert and Ubuntu Counselling Services Director.
To book for your Counseling Session WhatsApp him on +260962798345
