Youth Mental Health Warrior Provides Support, Counseling to Address Mental Health Challenges
The Youth Mental Health Warrior advocacy group offers free counseling and mentorship programs to address mental health challenges among Malawian youth.
BLANTYRE, MALAWI — Buxton Emmanuel Shaba, a survivor of mental health breakdown, has founded the Youth Mental Health Warrior advocacy group to address the growing issue of mental health challenges among young people in Malawi, writes Theodora Maureen Chimimba.
The group, which started in 2020, aims to reduce cases of suicide and depression by providing free psychosocial counselling and mentorship programs.
Shaba's motivation to establish the group stems from personal experiences and the loss of a loved one due to mental health issues.
"It was something that could have been managed if people understood that mental health is also a health problem and were there to assist her," Shaba disclosed.
"Since I also passed through some mental breakdowns myself, I was moved to set up the group to help address the challenges and prevent occurrences of suicide."
The Youth Mental Health Warrior group has reached out to over 200 young people struggling with depression since its inception.
Through free psychosocial counselling, mentorship programs, and awareness campaigns, the group aims to promote and protect the mental health of youths in Malawi and beyond.
Flora Mwale, a beneficiary of the program, expressed gratitude for the positive impact it has had on her life.
"Being around friends and fellow youths, sharing about our mental health issues has really opened my eyes, and I now know how I can tackle mental health issues like stress and depression," said Mwale.
Another beneficiary, Grace Soko, shared that she has been able to spread mental health awareness to others because of what she learned from the group.
However, Shaba highlighted the challenges they face in advocating for mental health awareness.
Many people, especially in rural areas, struggle to access psychosocial support, hindering the healing process and leading some to resort to suicide.
Shaba emphasized the importance of counselling and the need to educate more people about mental health.
To expand their reach and impact, the Youth Mental Health Warrior group plans to register as an official group, enabling them to apply for grants and financial support.
They also aim to reach as many youths as possible with mental health messages, recognizing the lack of information and the alarming rates of suicide among young people.
The Youth Mental Health Warrior organization's efforts are crucial in addressing the pressing mental health challenges faced by Malawian youth.
By providing support, counselling, and awareness, they are working towards a future where mental health is acknowledged, understood, and prioritised.