Mental Health Stigma Undermines Treatment, Experts Warn
Participants learned to recognize early warning signs of mental health disorders and provide appropriate psychosocial first aid.
MZUZU, Malawi — St. John of God Hospitaller Services is targeting persistent social stigma as a critical barrier to mental health treatment, highlighting the urgent need for public awareness and compassionate communication strategies, writes Victor Musongole.
During a media training session for Nyika Media Club members, mental health professionals emphasised how societal judgement prevents individuals from seeking essential psychological support.
Zondiwe Banda, the facility's mental health clinician, stressed that stigma significantly impedes early intervention and treatment.
"Most people are afraid of being stigmatized or judged, which prevents them from seeking help," Banda said.
The training focused on equipping media professionals with skills to report sensitively about mental health, promoting understanding and reducing discriminatory attitudes.
Participants learned to recognize early warning signs of mental health disorders and provide appropriate psychosocial first aid.
Key recommendations included:
— Practicing non-judgmental listening
— Developing nuanced, informed reporting
— Creating safe spaces for mental health discussions
Ennet Chitsulo, a training participant, acknowledged the program's transformative potential.
"This was an eye-opener. I can now write from an informed perspective and potentially assist those experiencing mental distress," Chitsulo said.
The initiative represents a strategic approach to addressing mental health challenges through media engagement, targeting systemic barriers that prevent individuals from accessing critical psychological support.
By training media professionals as informed communicators, St. John of God Hospitaller Services aims to gradually dismantle harmful social perceptions surrounding mental health, potentially encouraging more individuals to seek timely interventions.