“Caring for the mind is as important and crucial as caring for the body. In fact one cannot be healthy without the other.” Those profound words emanated from Sid Garza-Hillman, the author of, ‘Approaching the natural: a health manifesto.’ Mental health is a vital and important aspect of overall well-being. However, it is quite safe to say that mental health awareness in comparison to physical health, is still flagging behind.

Described by the World Health Organization as ‘a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community’, the lack of good mental health often leads to mental illnesses, which may be short- term or long term when left untreated. In the situations, it can lead to suicide.

A lot of stigma and shame is still attached to mental illnesses, which is probably the biggest reason of why a lot of cases remain untreated. This has the potential to greatly affect the quality of life of the affected individual and those around him/her. Although some mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder do not need much introduction, the majority of society still does not fully comprehend what these disorders are, and the extent to which they can (and do) affect one’s life.

In our African culture, some members of society still do not recognise mental illness as a real illness like any physical ailment such as diabetes or high blood pressure. It is common to find outlandish acts of witchcraft being blamed for an individual battling with their mental health, or worse, complete obliviousness being displayed towards those suffering. This can be attributed to a lack of knowledge of mental illnesses.

The lack of awareness on mental illnesses is the focal reason that the Botswana Network for Mental Health (BONMEH) was founded in July 2015 but duly registered in September 2015 by a young Motswana, Ms. Charity Kiki Kennedy, affected by mental illness and passionate to raise awareness on the importance of mental health. It was then by her tireless efforts that she networked with various stakeholders to identify other youth affected by the same challenge so as to drive the mandate of the organization. The NGO aims to provide crude professional education on mental health issues so as to reduce the associated mortality and the morbidity rate and also reduce the level of home or mental health institutionalization.

It is through this platform that BONMEH intends to create awareness towards the de-stigmatization of mental illnesses. Through sharing stories of mental illness survivors, we hope to reach someone who may be suffering, give them hope of a defeating the mammoth task of re-gaining control of their mental status and hopefully save a life.

BONMEH looks to create a free stigma nation by fostering a culture where mentally challenged are equally respected and also carry out empowerment programs in various institutions such as academic institutions and corporate organizations in an effort to raise awareness.

In 2002, WHO estimated that ‘at any one time, as many as one in four of the world’s population suffer from different forms of mental, behavioural and neurological disorders, including affective disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, epilepsy, dementias, mental retardation, schizophrenia and stress-related disorders. The chances of this estimation been on the rise since then until now is high.

By talking about and de-stigmatizing mental disorders, together we can encourage individuals to seek help when faced with challenges pertaining to these kinds of disorders, raise awareness on the importance of one taking care of their mental health and have improve the overall standard of mental well-being of the people of Botswana. ‘After all, a healthy lifestyle begins with a positive, stable and healthy mind’

Neltah Mosimanegape is the content manager of BONMEH, which is a registered NGO in Botswana looking to tackle issues of mental health. ‘Like’ us on Facebook: Botswana Network for Mental Health.