By Sibonginkosi P. Ndlovu and Buhlebenkosi Tshili
It is a fact beyond doubt that mental health issues are more topical today than ever before.
This is due to the rising incidence of mental illnesses, which cause significant difficulties in all aspects of life: in an individual’s life, in relationships, among family members, in communities, and across various human strata, including faith-related aspects. An inclusive and robust action is called for to abate the scourge of mental illness, especially among vulnerable communities.
It is against this backdrop that Emthonjeni Pastoral Centre collaborated with the Psychotherapy, Care and Counselling Services (PCCS) to host a historic mental health summit themed “Fostering Mental Wellness, Combating Stigma, and Enabling Hope” from July 9th to 11th, 2024.
The partnership between the two institutions began in October of last year in Mutare, where a commitment was made to hold an annual mental health summit.
About forty people attended the summit, traveling from as far as Mutare and Nkayi, with the majority coming from the Metropolitan City of Kings – Bulawayo. Both religious leaders and lay faithful were present.
The summit was an inter-denominational program that brought together Catholics, Pentecostals, and members of the UCCSA and SDA Churches.
It was also a multi-sectorial event that included various professional practitioners from government departments such as the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, the Ministry of Social Development, and development partners.
The main facilitators were Dr. Mazvita Machinga, a qualified psychotherapist and substance abuse counselor; Rev. Tapiwa Mucherera, a seasoned professor in pastoral counseling at Asbury Theological Seminary in the United States; Dr. Barbara Meck Silumbu, a registered clinical psychologist who runs Solace Mental Health Clinic in Bulawayo; and Mr. Tapiwa Chikowe, a social development officer in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.
Detailed and intriguing topics were tackled and unpacked with clarity and passion by all presenters.
These included an understanding of mental health and mental health disorders.
Mental health was defined as a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his/her own abilities, can cope with everyday stress, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to his/her community.
On the other hand, mental health disorders were explained as including, among other things, personality, psychotic, mood, identity, and anxiety disorders.
There was also a presentation on the stages of problem-solving and an exercise to identify different causes of trauma.
Furthermore, the summit explored the relationship between spirituality and psychology or mental health, as demonstrated in the Gospel passage of Luke 2:39.
Discussions were held on alcohol and drug abuse and the framework for dealing with this problem in Zimbabwe.
Concerns were raised over the lack of policy implementation and questionable law enforcement regarding the challenges of drug and substance abuse.
Socioeconomic determinants were also identified as contributing to drug and substance abuse, especially among the young and supposedly productive generation.
The summit provided an opportunity to do a spiritual assessment exercise and discuss the importance of self-care.
The summit served as an eye-opener to many participants, as testified by Mrs. Jenea W. Magugu, who quoted the ancient adage, “knowledge is power.”
It also challenged participants to be proactive either in preventing mental illness or responding to its challenges.
The summit provided a fruitful opportunity for personal benefit and various pastoral ministries of the participants.
Accordingly, Sr. Antoneta Ndebele (CPS) confessed that it was her first time attending such an event and said, “The experiences gained will go a long way in my life and work… and I am very grateful.”
Siphathisiwe Tshili testified, “On the first day, I got into the summit venue with mixed feelings of nervousness, excitement, and uncertainty. I later realized that the summit provided me with tools for self-discovery, connection, self-growth, and self-confidence.”
The sessions were insightful, engaging, and encouraging. Participants used their evening time to get together and enjoy each other’s company.
They blended together and became friends who could share personal stories of struggles, worries, confusions, tears, and empathetic ears in a glorious environment of “laughter, reflections, and serenity,” said Rev. Tommy Magagula.
The summit served as a wonderful reminder that mental health is a journey and not a destination.
It sparked a newfound commitment to prioritize mental well-being and the need to support each other on life’s journeys to create a more compassionate world.
As Rev. Fr. Limukani Ndlovu expressed, “The summit remains viable for our personal benefit, our immediate contacts, and then our larger social network in the Church and outside.”