MSU Student Affairs Division, Department of Counselling Services in collaboration with the Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Applied Psychology, and the entire MSU Community commemorated World Mental Health Day on the 10th of October 2023 through a purposeful march from Batanai Learning Centre to Great Hall, Gweru Main Campus.
The event was attended by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, SAYWHAT, Gweru Provincial Hospital, National Aids Council, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Musasa Project, Zimbabwe Psychology Association, and the Provincial Mental Health representative.
University Counselling Coordinator, Ms. Eugenia Mabika, expressed her gratitude to all participants in the celebrations, held under the theme, “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right.”
Outlining the significance of the celebration, registered Educational Psychologist and lecturer in the Department of Psychology, Mr. Mpikelelo M. Maseko said that World Mental Day commemorations promote awareness, understanding and support for mental health.
“World Mental Health Day commemorations are significant in raising awareness, reducing stigma, advocating for better mental health policies, providing education and information, mobilizing support, promoting self-care and fostering a global movement dedicated to mental health,” Mr. Maseko said.
Director-Health Services, Dr. Gerald Hangaika remarked that mental health is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in.
“Good mental health is vital to our overall health and well-being.
“There is no health without mental health,” remarked Dr. Hangaika.
Delivering his keynote speech, the Guest Speaker, Professor Herbert Zirima from Great Zimbabwe University (GZU), a Registered Psychologist emphasised the importance of raising awareness and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health as a universal human right.
“Everyone, whoever and wherever they are, has a right to the highest attainable standard of mental health,” Professor Zirima emphasised.
He further highlighted that mental health conditions are rife amongst the youth, students included.
“Our young people end up in suicidal behaviour, drug and substance abuse due to unresolved depression and anxiety,” added Prof. Zirima.
World Mental Health Day celebrations were capped off with social sports and Mental Health Quiz between students and staff, providing a platform for interactive sessions and knowledge sharing.
The celebrations underscore MSU’s commitment to prioritising mental health and creating a supportive environment for its students and staff.