By Maranatha Chima, Janet Mkonongo and Regina Chalira

Mzuzu, June 13, Mana: Community and Mental Health Department of the Saint John of God Hospitaller Services has embarked on mental health awareness to students in universities and colleges.

Speaking, Thursday when she made a presentation at Livingstonia University(UNILIA) - Kaning’ina Campus in Mzuzu, mental health expert, Melissa Saji said many people including students in various education institutions face mental health challenges, hence the initiative.

Saji said most of the mental health problems in students are triggered by academic pressure, sexual abuse, poverty, lack of social support, cyber bullying, biased treatment towards one’s gender or sexuality, peer pressure and internet addiction, among others.

She said according to world statistics, there is one death in every 40 seconds between the ages of 10 to 34 resulting from suicide and the ratio in Malawi is one female to four males.

“Most young people especially students and some members of staff in education facilities spend most of their time on the internet hence instilling the spirit of loneliness. This tendency affects one’s mood and relationship with family members including friends.

“People who are addicted to the internet suffer from anxiety and are depressed and I hope that the institution will train lectures on mental health so that each academic facility have counselors,” Saji said.

Another mental health expert, Tionge Msachi said people commit suicide and indulge in drug and substance abuse, commit self-injury as a way of coping with depression, anxiety or expressing their pain and feelings.  

“These challenges can be dealt with provision of peer support, psychotherapy, addiction recovery programmes, hospitalization for brain stimulation therapy in critical conditions,” Msachi said.

 Registrar for UNILIA- Kaning’ina Campus, Rev. Wisdom Mwale commended Saint John of God Hospitaller Services for the lecture which will contribute towards enhancement of good morals amongst students and members of staff.

 “As an institution we try to groom students and lecturers to be of good behavior with sober mental health so that they become productive citizens and contribute to the development of the country,” Mwale said.

One of the students, Lucy Kaisi, said she had acquired knowledge on how to handle stress and the importance for seeking counselling when one is depressed.

“We have also learnt how we can help each other as students in handling mental health related issues,” said Kaisi.