Mental health refers to one’s emotional, psychological and social well- being. It affects how one thinks, feels and behaves and it also determines how one can handle stress, relate to others and make decisions and choices. Thus, good mental health enables you to deal with life’s challenges, realise your potential and abilities, learn and work well, contribute to your community as well as form and maintain healthy relationships. Mental health is an important part of one’s well-being, yet it is one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized aspects of health. It is therefore vital to explore what mental health issues are, why they matter and how societies can better address them.

According to WHO more than one billion people globally live with a mental health condition, making it one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. In Zimbabwe it is a common thing to find mentally challenged people roaming the streets. It is worrisome to note that many more people succumb to stress and depression due to social and economic reasons. Experts describe mental health as a public health emergency, with rising rates of depression, anxiety and stress- related disorders found across all age groups.

Common mental health issues comprise depression, that is persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue and lack of sleep that affect one’s daily life. Anxiety disorders emanating from excessive worry, panic attacks and other physical symptoms like rapid mood changes and violence depict mental health challenges. Some people struggle with mental health as a result of drug abuse and substance use. I have witnessed disheartening incidences of people struggling with mental health issues. At my workplace some student teachers have to postpone their studies in order to seek medication as a result of substance use. Even when they return to resume their studies, you can still see that they would be vulnerable and struggling. At one point we had a female student who was raped while on work integrated learning. Although the culprit was arrested and the girl received counseling and medical treatment, the traumatizing incident left an undetectable mark on her well-being.

There is also the sad case of a colleague’s son who committed suicide after completing his Advanced Level. Unknown to his parents, he had been struggling with drug and substance abuse. The heart wrecking incident of a fellow congregant who returned home from church to find his son who had been struggling with drug addiction), having set fire to the entire homestead, struck and murdered his pregnant wife with a matchet and then burnt the body. The mother had to flee for dear life together with her three grandchildren (children of the man who had killed his wife). Mental health issues are not merely an individual problem, they also affect families and the society at large.

They say prevention is better than cure. Healthy lifestyle approaches are necessary. It is therefore imperative to exercise self-care strategies such as mindfulness and meditation. This helps to reduce stress and increase self-awareness. Exercising boosts mood and it is essential for one to have adequate sleeping time. One also needs to have healthy eating habits and avoid loneliness by building and maintaining healthy relationships and community ties.

Early intervention is important. There is need to be one’s brother’s keeper. Recognizing symptoms of health challenges and seeking professional help early is important. Expanding affordable therapy, counseling and community-based support is very important. It is also important to reduce stigma through open conversations in order to normalize mental health struggles. I remember one of our students who had just returned from receiving therapy for drug addiction, coming to my office with a notebook saying, “Mam, I want to learn to write books like you do. Here is what I got from the library.” He read to me what appeared to be lacking coherence but I praised him so as to boost his confidence and then gave him the advice he needed. He left a contended young man and I felt that I had assisted him well without showing any stigmatization.

Mental health issues are therefore not just personal struggles, they are societal challenges that require collective action. By providing the awareness, accessibility and compassion, communities can foster resilience and ensure that mental health is treated with the same urgency and respect as physical health. Mental health is a prerequisite for everyone.

By Perpetua Gonese

Social Handles

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I manifested all the great things I yearned for before this year began. The peace, the love, the abundance, the courage, the aura….. Literally anything you may think of when you picture in your mind when it comes to the wishes of the lady in her late 20s. Guess what?. . . Instead of turning the tables, they turned me. The late-night cries exceeded, and sometimes I failed to get some sleep. Appearing joyful while my heart bled within felt like unwavering hypocrisy. Thinking about the beautiful life I craved in comparison to the nightmare I struggle in, broke my hope into tiny pieces that are difficult to fix.

Some days felt so heavy, and moments lasted longer than they should have. I was completely shattered,left in deep thought, like… “Where did I do wrong?!, Am I really a good person?, Why does almost everyone seem to be so disappointing?” I fumbled. As people celebrated the new year season, I was busy fixing and picking up the leftovers from the previous one.

The emotional roller-coaster continued until one day I received shocking news that even my closest friend could not handle with a positive attitude. Some of them cried out of pity, while others were caught in the moment of silence.

I went numb, completely not knowing how to feel at the moment. The series of storms left me overwhelmed, with no strength to carry another burden. As I was stuck, I looked around to see everyone’s reaction, and, in surprise, I was the only one calm and unbothered at the moment. Suddenly, I gained insight into one of the greatest lessons of my life, one I had always heard but had never experienced firsthand, to make it real. That lesson was “We are who we are because of other people’s eyes. Our beliefs and attitudes are shaped by how other people perceive us, not by what we ought to be good for ourselves. The way we dress, behave, communicate, love, feel and express ourselves relies mostly to the expectations of other people and not our own preference”

For the first time, I felt free from other people’s expectations. Being hurt and calm left them no room to judge me for how I feel or how I react. Just because they could also feel the pain, it did not give them the power to weigh me down. Such an emotional regulation moment was everything I had hoped for, and I even remembered all the manifestations I had made before.

I speak with courage and confidence to whoever is reading this by letting you know that “Our brains are wired with extraordinary power. The key to using that power fully lies in understanding that the brain cannot distinguish between reality and imagination — it responds to whatever it is fed.” Always imagine the best from every scenario, expect good news, embrace every moment with gratitude, and see how tables turn around without moving your chair. It is true that you cannot think your way out of a certain feeling, because even heaven cries. You can feel the way you want by changing your thinking, since happiness is a state of mind.

I hope you found this insightful. I wish you all the best in your journey of discovery.

Written by: Dativa Mugashe

Social media:

Instagram: real_datty

Instagram

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Poem By : Nonny Vee

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Mirror, Mirror. Who’s the prettiest of them all?
Not me. Certainly.

Look at all the beauties out there.
Surely, have you seen my crooked smile?
What about my pimples?
And what about my big ears?
Oh, how glad I am that you can only see my face.
For I hear my legs are manly, far from beautiful
Compared to how a woman’s should look.

Mirror, Mirror. Who’s the most creative of them all?
It surely can’t be me.

Do I sing better than those Divas?
I’m not sure I can even tie their shoes.
Could I possibly write better
than the outstanding poets out there?
My pen must not be sharp enough.

Mirror, Mirror. Godly Mirror, tell me:
Who am I? Tell me what You see?

Gladly, Mirror answers:
I am glad you finally asked.
You finally chose the right mirror.
It is not the flaws that I see;
I see beauty in the flaws
because I allowed them,
That I may fill them with my Light.

Poem By: Rasanganea Uwantege

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My dearest Bophelo,

Born on women’s day You arrived on this earth on a day that celebrates the strength, resilience, and beauty of women. I’m so grateful to be your mom, and I’m honored to watch you grow and thrive.

Bophelo, you are life itself to me. You bring joy, love, and purpose to my world. As you grow and discover this world, I promise to be here for you, to support you, to guide you, and to love you unconditionally.

You are a precious gift, and I’m so proud to be your mom. I promise to do my best to raise you to be a strong, confident, and compassionate woman, who makes a positive impact in the world.

I loved the name Bophelo, which means life, because it reminds me of the gift of life that you are. You are my life, my everything.

As you grow, I’ll tell you stories about the women who came before us, who fought for our rights, who paved the way for us to live our lives with dignity and purpose. I’ll teach you about the power of women, about sisterhood, and about the importance of standing up for what is right.

But most of all, Bophelo, I’ll love you with all my heart, and I’ll be here to support you every step of the way.

My little one. I love you more than words can say.

With all my love,
Mom Sophie wa magents

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I am Joyce Mojapelo, 33 years old, and my life’s journey has been shaped by both deep loss and incredible restoration. I grew up in a warm, loving home with both my parents. My father was gentle and kind; my mother was strict yet deeply caring, generous, and protective. Childhood was filled with laughter, sports, and ambition. I excelled in athletics and volleyball, even earning the opportunity to represent District 4. After Matric, my dream was to study journalism. Among my friends, I was the investigator, the one who dug up stories and kept everyone informed. But in 2008, my world turned upside down.

In November that year, I lost my father to a stroke. Just eight months later, in July 2009, my mother went to work one Saturday and never returned. She had shown no signs of illness. At just 17, I was forced to navigate the unreality of losing both parents in less than a year. I couldn’t grieve fully; I had to stay strong for my younger brother. My dreams felt buried alongside my mother, and fear took hold of me-fear of dreaming, of planning for the future, and of dying suddenly.

To make matters worse, rejection from relatives left me feeling unwanted and undeserving of a good life. Five months after my mother’s passing, my brother and I moved to Echo Youth Development Centre (A place of safety). Even before we arrived, God already begun sending help through Pastor Fortune Khubayi, who supported us when he could. At Echo, I experienced something I desperately needed: unconditional love. Even when I pushed people away, they remained patient and refused to give up on me. Strangers became vessels of God’s promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you”.

During my time there, we often took part in outreach trips to underprivileged villages, such as Matlala in Limpopo. Those experiences planted a seed in my heart- a passion for bringing hope to the hopeless by sharing my story. I later realised that this was my mother’s influence; she often welcomed Zimbabwean women into our home, gave them food, and gave them clothes.

The loss of my parents triggered years of depression and anxiety. The fear of death consumed me so much that I avoided setting long-term goals. I honestly didn’t believe I’d live past 25. But when I did, I made a choice to be intentional about my healing. I sought therapy, committed to prayer, and took antidepressants when necessary. The journey was far from perfect; there were moments when I stopped treatment altogether. But over time, I embraced the process. Therapy helped me recognise my triggers, to unlearn destructive behaviors, and most  importantly, heal my inner child. God proved to be a God of restoration. He renewed my dreams, restored my confidence, and showed me that my pain could serve a greater purpose. Today, I am the Chairperson of Focus Mamelodi Community NPO, an organisation addressing social challenges. Life still has challenges, but my approach is different now. I know that healing is not a destination; it is a lifelong journey. The pain may have shaped me, but it no longer defines me.

On 23 August, Focus Mamelodi Community NPO will host an Anti-Abuse Campaign to educate the community about the consequences of abuse and the importance of complete healing. I hope that my story reminds others that no matter how dark the road feels, restoration is possible.

If there is one truth I have learned, it is this: You are not what happened to you. Your past may shape you, but it does not have to limit you. Healing is possible-and with God by your side, nothing is impossible.

Socials:

My TikTok account :@mmusi.elevate
Facebook: JJ. Elavate

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Between career and the calling
Who am I?
What suits?
What is ideal to follow?
Where do I refer to?
Confusing right? Yes, it should
It is about my lifetime choice
It is a career choice.
It should be tempting and scary to decide on.

Is it my calling or career choice?
Am I even worthy of it?
Should I be worrying about a choice between the two?
It should be a daunting exercise.
We are in the midst of growth, decisions and trials.
It is my lifetime choice.
It is a career choice.
It should be tempting and scary to decide on.

Thought it was just a career choice.
But I find myself stressing over it
I am connecting to every single step of it.
It is more of a calling than just a career.
I am confident with my choice.
Confusing right? Yes, it should
It is about my lifetime choice
It is a career choice.
It should be tempting and scary to decide on.

By: Nonny Vee

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From the moment I could speak, my mother, a Sunday school teacher with a heart full of faith, taught me and all my siblings how to pray. It began with simple words of gratitude before meals. Then came morning prayers for guidance, which we prayed as sunlight crept through the curtains. At night, just before sleep takes over my body, I would press my hands together and tell God about my day.

As I grew a bit older, so did my prayers. Sunday school lessons turned the Lord’s Prayer into second nature, recited as easily as my ABCs. Prayer became routine, steady, like breathing.

But now?
Now, my prayers don’t come in neat, memorized lines. Some days, they’re raw.Unfiltered. A choked-out “Why me?” when the pain digs its claws in deep. Other days, when laughter comes easy and the weight lifts, my prayers spill over: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Lord.

Living with chronic pain is like living with a thief, one that steals moments without warning. One second, I’m fine… the next, pain shoots through my body like lightning, and the world shrinks to just me and the ache. But this journey has taught me something… Life is fragile. Borrowed time. And in that truth, I’ve learned to cherish the small things, the warmth of a cup of tea, a friend’s voice on the phone, a quiet morning when my body lets me breathe.

Prayer isn’t what it used to be. It’s no longer just reciting words I learned as a child. It’s alive. Messy. Real.

Sometimes, it’s a yell into the dark. Other times, it’s a heart-to-heart with God, tears rolling down my cheeks, some from joy, some from the kind of pain that makes you whisper, “How much longer… for how long do I have to suffer?” Some nights, when words fail, I sing through the hurt because worship doesn’t need perfect words.

In the quiet, I remember my mother’s voice guiding those first prayers. I wonder if she knew she was planting seeds of hope that would hold me up on days when standing felt impossible. Her faith still lights my path, even when I can’t see the way forward.

These days, my prayer is simple… God, May Your Will Be Done – not mine. Whether that means a moment’s relief or strength to endure, I’m learning to trust Him with it. To center myself in Him, even when the storm rages.

Because prayer isn’t about having the right words. It’s showing up with your broken pieces and saying, “Here I am. Again.” It’s knowing you’re heard, even when the only thing you can offer is silence.

And that? That’s enough. A promise that keeps me going, a light that never goes out.

By: Mutshidzi

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In our fast-paced, digital-driven world, the line between what’s real and artificial grows thinner by the day. We’re bombarded with all the  information, yet the truth is elusive. How do we trust our senses when our eyes and minds compete with the persuasive power of technology? It’s a question that haunts us, as we go through a reality increasingly governed by screens and algorithms.

We wake up with our smartphones in our hands, their screens the first light of day. They are the last thing we see at night before we fall asleep, a glowing lifeline in a sea of digital noise. But what does this constant connection mean for our understanding of reality? Are we hypnotized, or simply addicted to the endless scroll? The distinction is blurred, much like the line between artificial and real.

In this tech-dominated age, it’s challenging to discern our own thoughts from those generated by machines. AI can mimic human creativity, leaving us questioning our worth and originality. If a machine can pen a poem or write an article, what does that say about our place in this new world? It’s a sad realization, one that demands introspection and a reevaluation of our values.

We find ourselves in a time where chaos and confusion are not mere accidents but symptoms of a deeper crisis. Our reliance on technology has distanced us from the tangible world, leading to a societal disconnection that’s as profound as it is unsettling. Have we lost sight of what makes us human, of our ability to discern, to feel, to connect?

But here’s the truth we keep missing… life isn’t infinite. That’s the thing that could save us, the reminder to put the phone down, to look up, to hold on to what’s real. Tech isn’t the enemy, but we can’t let it steal our humanity. So what’s next? Maybe it starts with a
single breath. A choice. A step back into our own lives.

From: Mutshidzi

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“There comes a time in life, A time of death, grief and weeping, And the clock does not stop ticking, For life goes on”

My name is Anathi Kom. I am 22 years old. I am from Butterworth in the Eastern Cape province. I recently graduated from the University of Fort Hare with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Production. I am also the author of the poetry book titled The Tree Of Life. My book is about my life experiences. I come from a poor background. I lost my mother when I was 8 years old and was raised by my grandmother. I was sexually abused at the age of 18, and because of that, I conceived. I learned to forgive and let go so that I could love and care for my daughter. The book aims to heal souls, ignite hope, and teach people the importance of forgiving, letting go, and moving on.

What brought me to writing was finding solace and strength in it. I didn’t feel alone when I wrote on paper and expressed myself. For me, writing was a tool I used to pour out my sorrows and motivate myself through affirmations. Publishing wasn’t the aim initially. However, I entered a short story competition run by Published Afrika Magazine and won third place. The co-founder, Sukoluhle Ntokozo Mdlongwa, read my work and told me that their publishing company would sponsor me under their Adopt-An-Author Programme. They collected my poems and turned them into an anthology, believing that the poems tell stories and aim to heal, which reflect my life experiences.

I published the book when I was 19. On July 31, 2023, I was honored at the 6th African Global Honoree Author’s Awards 2023 for my book. I have also garnered numerous accolades as a result of my writing journey. I have also been part of many books because I have won competitions. An achievement I hold dear is that I was one of 66 poets from 50 different countries to be part of an international poetry book titled Tranquility.

I was awarded the Local Hero of 2023 for the work I do in my community. In 2024, I received a Leadership, Advocacy, and All-Rounder Award from This Girl Wins. I love involving myself in volunteering work; in varsity, I was a Wellness Leader for 2023/24, a Gender-Based unit called Prevention Unit Champion for 2023/24, and a volunteer at the Disability Unit.

I founded two initiatives: Women Empowering Women UFH and Growing Together in Writing UFH. Those programs not only helped me grow but also positively impacted the lives of my fellow students. The Women Empowering Women UFH group was a small initiative aimed at uniting female students at UFH. The group had over 500 participants from East London and Alice campus, where we supported each other with sanitary pads, food, clothes, and motivation. Growing Together In Writing UFH was a monthly poetry competition for UFH students passionate about writing and poetry. It aimed to enhance their literary skills and provide a platform for self-expression. It was a unique opportunity, the first of its kind at school.

What motivates me to volunteer is the saying “Umntu ngumntu ngabantu”. I believe that when we come together and help each other create positive change in our communities, we impact each other’s lives. Volunteering also helps individuals grow and develop by learning to work with others, being teachable, and developing listening skills. Overall, volunteering enables growth, development, learning, unlearning, and self-improvement. Volunteering has helped me discover my passion and capabilities. I’ve become passionate about giving without expecting anything in return. I’ve also realized I can work under pressure without pay, be consistent, and determined.

Volunteering has given me a voice to express my opinions and stand up for what I believe in.

 Extract from poem titled: ‘Life Goes On’

Life Goes On ~ By Anathi Kom – Sheevolves.world – African

From: Anathi Kom

Socials: Facebook~ Anathi Kom

(20+) Facebook

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