02/04/2026
THE SILENT CRISIS IN WORKPLACES
Many people assume mental health problems belong behind hospital walls, but the reality is different: more struggles happen in workplaces than in mental institutions. In Zambia, offices, markets, farms and factories are where stress, anxiety and depression quietly grow. Long hours, low pay, job insecurity, harassment and the pressure to support families chip away at mental strength. Signs are not obvious: mistakes, withdrawal, irritability, exhaustion or they are hidden behind a smile.
No one is immune: young graduates, parents, supervisors and CEOs can all be affected. Admitting you are struggling is not weakness; it is a step toward healing. Employers, colleagues and community leaders must recognise that mental health affects productivity, safety and family life, and create supportive policies, fair workloads and access to counselling. Simple acts like checking in with a coworker, offering time off, listening without judgement can change a life. If you feel overwhelmed, speak to a friend, a trusted leader or a health worker; early help matters. Mental health is not confined to hospitals; it is woven into our daily work. Let us make our workplaces places of care, where people are seen, supported and given space to recover. You have heard.
