How Zimbabwe could benefit from investing in mental health

Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety tend to be underestimated in Zimbabwe. However, these conditions come at a high financial and human cost. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is crucial to overall health and wellbeing, yet it is often neglected and underfunded, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Poverty, political instability and poor access to healthcare exacerbate preventable mental illnesses.

In 2021, mental health issues cost the Zimbabwean economy an estimated $ 163.6 million – nearly 0.6 % of the country’s GDP. Less than five percent of this sum was actually spent on mental healthcare. The remaining costs were due to lost productivity caused by premature death, disability and absenteeism. It is estimated that investments in mental health could prevent over 11,000 deaths, add more than 500,000 healthy life years over the next 20 years and save Zimbabwe around $ 689 million.

“You cannot understand people’s needs without research on poor mental health, including its risk and protective factors,” says Tanatswa Chikaura, founder and director of Ndinewe Foundation, a youth-led mental health organisation. “Grassroots organisations are playing a growing role because they work with high-risk groups and vulnerable communities.”

Jesca Tapfumaneyi, community engagement coordinator at Friendship Bench, a community-based mental health initiative, underscores the importance of adequate re­sources. “Without prevention, early intervention and treatment, people face prolonged distress, impairing their capacity to function in daily life, their relationships and their ability to contribute to their families and communities,” she says. “This leads to discrimination, stigma and a diminished quality of life.”

Anyone can be affected

Tapfumaneyi notes that high poverty rates, unemployment, economic instability and food insecurity cause significant stress and uncertainty for many Zimbabweans, often leading to mental illness such as drug addiction. Weakened social safety nets and limited access to healthcare further exacerbate the problem. Cultural norms can also prevent people from seeking professional help.

Chikaura emphasises that mental health issues can affect anyone, contrary to certain widespread cultural beliefs about who suffers from them and how. “Mental illness doesn’t discriminate, and we all need to educate ourselves and seek help regardless of gender, age, skin colour or other factors,” she says. “And just like physical health, mental health requires different types of support. It encompasses our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. Don’t compromise when it comes to mental health.”

Lacking the necessary knowledge and resources, however, many people turn to religious practitioners who have little experience. “Do you require psychological help? Make an appointment with a psychologist and find out what you need,” advises Chikaura. “Mental health is an important aspect of our lives that can affect every area of our day-to-day existence.”

Investments in mental health, just like in all other areas of health, must be taken seriously and distributed fairly by policymakers. Chikaura adds that such investments also help communities develop better support mechanisms.

Ultimately, mental health policy needs to be integrated into broader health and development strategies. “Addressing mental health requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond simply treating illness,” Tapfumaneyi stresses. “It’s about promoting an environment that supports mental wellbeing – through social connections, healthy lifestyles and life skills training.”

Derick Matsengarwodzi is a freelance journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe. 
derickm01@gmail.com 

If you are thinking about taking your own life, please talk to friends and family about it. International suicide hotlines offer professional help:
https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/