By Alex Kachingwe

Blantyre, June 27, Mana: A Lilongwe based writer, Herbert Katanda, who is a well-known TV personality will on June 29, 2024 launch a new book titled ‘The Audacity of Depression’ under Grand Pen Africa Publication at Lark Cafe Area 43 in Lilongwe.

Katanda who started a writing career in 2010 told Malawi News Agency (Mana) Thursday in Blantyre that The Audacity of Depression was his second book after another titled ‘Belly Button’ which was written and published in 2018.

The New Book which has been financially sponsored by Mzeru za Abambo Group of Companies and Sang Farms, consists of various short stories and poems which are tackling issues of mental health.

“The month of June is considered to be Men’s Mental Health Awareness month. We have organized a book launch dinner for The Audacity of Depression anthology, a book that tackles mental health issues to raise awareness on how people should heal from stress and depression,” he said.

Event Manager, Robert Edward from Zoom Media and Events, who are organizers of the Book launch, hailed Katanda for his tireless effort to write a book that has the possibilities to deal with suicide in the country.

He said the event was beyond Book launch as there would be a panel discussion involving individuals from different sectors to discuss depression and mental health issues.

“You might be aware that the country recorded more than 250 suicide cases last year and according to Police reports, most of the reasons for the suicide were relationship break ups and financial issues. We saw it as an opportunity being a mental awareness month, that the country should engage a panel discussion on how people should manage stress and depression,” Edward added.

He pointed out that statistical reports indicate a higher number of men committing suicide than women.

Edward said that profits generated from the book sale would help in campaign to raise awareness on mental health and depression through a mental health radio programme.

The Book launch will be aired live on Luntha Television 6 pm to 9pm and a panel discuss on mental health will involve experts in mental health, legal, business persons and those from faith community to be represented by Apostle, Clifford Kawinga of Salvation for All Ministries, who will be guest of honour.