End Mental Health Stigma

Expert identified a combination of stress alcohol and substance abuse as the primary causer of mental breakdowns in homes and workplaces.

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 - (10th October 2024) – Zambia today joined the global commemoration of World Mental Health Day, with the government and key stakeholders emphasizing the need to prioritize mental health in professional settings.

The event, themed "Mental Health at Work," focused on promoting mental health care and eliminating the stigma associated with mental health disorders in the workplace.

The event was graced by Acting Minister of Health Elias Mubanga, who stressed the importance of mental health in the workplace for employee well-being and organizational performance.

Mubanga, who also serves as Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), called on employers to create mental health-friendly policies that support employee well-being, noting that “Mental health should be treated with the same importance as physical health, especially at work. This will help foster a productive and healthy workforce.”

USAID Country Director Isaac Ahemesah echoed this sentiment, underscoring the urgency of addressing mental health issues in the workplace.

“Mental health is central to employee well-being, and we must make it a top priority,” Ahemesah said.

He highlighted that nearly one billion people worldwide live with mental health disorders, with a significant portion being working-age adults.

Ahemesah emphasized USAID’s dedication to mental health support as part of its broader public health strategy in Zambia, particularly in workplaces and underserved communities.

“Employers must take proactive steps to foster environments where mental health is openly discussed, and employees feel supported,” he noted.

USAID is working closely with the Zambian government to ensure that mental health services are accessible in workplaces, small enterprises, and beyond.

He further stressed the importance of accessible and affordable mental health services, pointing to mobile health clinics and partnerships between health organizations and the government.

“Accessible mental health services in workplaces can significantly reduce the barriers to care, allowing employees to seek help without fear of stigma,” Ahemesah added.

Mental health expert Gabriel Lungu also contributed to the discussion, identifying not only stress but also alcohol and substance abuse as the primary causes of mental breakdowns in homes and workplaces.

Lungu explained the impact of chronic stress on individuals’ mental well-being.

“Workplaces often present unique challenges that lead to significant stress, increasing the risk of mental health issues among employees. It’s essential for organizations to prioritize mental health to ensure a productive workforce,” Lungu said.

He urged employers to take responsibility for the mental health of their employees, highlighting that stress, if left unchecked, can result in serious mental health crises that affect productivity.

Lungu also pointed out that external stressors such as climate change and economic instability exacerbate mental health challenges, leading to increased anxiety and depression.

Rachel Goldstein, the new Health Office Director at USAID, reinforced the need for integrating mental health services with broader public health initiatives, particularly in HIV programs.

“Mental health plays a crucial role in accessing and sustaining HIV treatment.

Addressing mental health is key to sustaining behavior change and achieving an AIDS-free generation,” Goldstein said.

She announced the launch of two mobile clinics that will deliver comprehensive health services, including mental health screening, HIV prevention, and cervical cancer screening.

Goldstein emphasized the need to target populations with limited access to healthcare, explaining that the mobile clinics would bring critical services directly to communities that need them most.

“With the right support, we can close gaps in both mental health and HIV services,” she added.

Kennedy Lishimpi, Permanent Secretary of Technical Services, highlighted the impact of alcohol and substance abuse on mental health, particularly among youth aged 15 to 35.

He emphasized the need for deliberate actions to protect Zambia’s youth from these vices, noting the increasing rates of HIV infections in this group.

“This age group is the future of our country, and we must act swiftly to protect them from the mental health challenges they face,” Lishimpi stated.

He urged collective action from government, employers, and communities. 

They stress the importance of making mental health services accessible and tackling the stigma that prevents individuals from seeking care. 

“With the right support and timely intervention, everyone can lead productive lives,” Lungu concluded.

For more information on mental health resources, individuals are encouraged to reach out to local mental health organizations or visit the nearest health facility.