Zimbabwe OCD support group, anxiety and depression

09/11/2025

✨ Cape Town, Global Mental Health Summit 2025
I’m deeply honored to be here among fellow advocates, funders, and change makers—each committed to transforming mental health systems through the power of lived experience. Reconnecting with old friends, meeting new allies, and engaging in bold, visionary dialogue reminds me: our stories are not just valid—they are vital. Together, we’re building a more inclusive, compassionate world.

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16/10/2025

OCD Awareness

16/10/2025

OCD comes in different forms

12/10/2025

OCD Awareness week

23/06/2025

At EmStan Aftercare and Empowerment Centre in rural Zimbabwe knows that young people is more than just a responsibility—it’s a deeply fulfilling calling. Through structured guidance, heartfelt connection, and consistent support, we help young people navigate life’s challenges while unlocking their full potential.

Our work centers around creating safe, nurturing environments where youth feel seen, heard, and empowered. We don’t just offer advice; we walk alongside them, encouraging resilience, confidence, and purpose. Whether it's through life skills training, emotional support, or opening doors to new opportunities, we’re committed to shaping futures rooted in dignity and hope.

This journey brings us peace because it is transformative—not just for those we mentor, but for us as mentors too. Watching young people rise, thrive, and lead their communities forward is the most rewarding outcome we could hope for.

09/06/2025

DISABILITY-RESPONSIVE BUDGETING
As leaders of organizations advocating for disability rights, we were invited to a pivotal workshop on Disability-Responsive Budgeting, hosted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare in collaboration with Sight Savers. The event brought together representatives from various organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), providing a crucial platform for engagement and advocacy.

One of the key facilitators was the Ministry of Finance, which guided participants through the budget cycle, ensuring that OPDs understand when and how to make their voices heard in financial planning. This framework was particularly significant in strengthening the participation of persons with disabilities in budgetary discussions, ensuring their priorities are integrated into national resource allocation.

A critical aspect of the discussion centered on the specific challenges faced by persons with psychosocial disabilities, a group often overlooked in budgetary considerations. While many OPDs focused on assistive devices such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and braille equipment, we emphasized the importance of access to appropriate medication as an essential form of assistive support for individuals with psychosocial disabilities. This shift in narrative helped treasury officials recognize that accessibility extends beyond physical tools to include health-centred interventions that enable independent and meaningful participation in society.

The workshop was insightful and fulfilling, reaffirming the importance of inclusive budgeting as a mechanism for equity and social justice. Seeing the recognition of psychosocial disabilities in these discussions was a significant step toward ensuring that mental health needs are properly addressed in Zimbabwe’s national budget.

02/06/2025

LEAVE NOONE BEHIND
I am deeply committed to educating church women on mental health, bridging the gap between faith and emotional well-being. While many believe that prayer alone can resolve life's challenges, I engage them through thought-provoking dialogue that fosters self-reflection and personal growth. By asking strategic questions, I guide them to uncover their own insights, empowering them to recognize the complexities of mental health and the importance of holistic support. My approach not only strengthens their faith but also equips them with the tools to navigate life with resilience and understanding.

24/05/2025

LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND. Incorporating teenage mothers into mental health care services in my rural area of Zimbabwe is essential. Teenage mothers frequently experience stigma, discrimination, educational deprivation, and a lack of livelihood skills, resulting in postpartum depression, early marriages, and poverty. How can we assist them in overcoming these challenges? We are happy to have started this conversation with the Chief, the councillors, Village Heads, school representatives, church leaders, Community Health Leaders, the Nurses, representatives from ZINATHA, and other stakeholders.

15/05/2025

13/05/2025

Having spent my early years in a rural setting, I deeply appreciate the natural beauty and cultural richness of our countryside. However, I am also acutely aware of the challenges faced by rural communities, particularly the isolation, stigma, and discrimination associated with mental health issues.

The growing concerns of substance abuse—once predominantly a challenge in urban areas—are now affecting rural youth, leaving families distressed and searching for solutions. Mothers, in particular, express their anguish as they witness their sons falling into destructive habits. Alongside this, the issue of teenage pregnancies continues to impact young girls, often limiting their opportunities and perpetuating cycles of hardship.

In response, many parents ask a pressing question: How can we address these urgent issues within our rural communities? This question is frequently directed to me, reflecting a widespread need for guidance and intervention. The challenge is ensuring that mental health support, substance abuse prevention, and educational resources reach rural populations, who are often overlooked in broader social initiatives.

It is crucial to explore solutions that bridge this gap, fostering awareness, support systems, and sustainable interventions to uplift and protect the well-being of rural communities.

13/05/2025

Having spent my early years in a rural setting, I deeply appreciate the natural beauty and cultural richness of our countryside. However, I am also acutely aware of the challenges faced by rural communities, particularly the isolation, stigma, and discrimination associated with mental health.

The growing concerns of substance abuse—once predominantly a challenge in urban areas—are now affecting rural youth, leaving families distressed and searching for solutions. Mothers, in particular, express their anguish as they witness their sons falling into destructive habits. Alongside this, the issue of teenage pregnancies continues to impact young girls, often limiting their opportunities and perpetuating cycles of hardship.

In response, many parents ask a pressing question: How can we address these urgent issues within our rural communities? This question is frequently directed to me, reflecting a widespread need for guidance and intervention. The challenge is ensuring that mental health support, substance abuse prevention, and educational resources reach rural populations, who are often overlooked in broader social initiatives.

It is crucial to explore solutions that bridge this gap, fostering awareness, support systems, and sustainable interventions to uplift and protect the well-being of rural communities.