COMMUNICATION GAPS IMPACTING MENTAL WELLBEING- ANALYST

By Kenson McCloud 

Lack of open communication means between youths and parents as well as guardians has been attributed to the worsening rise in mental health problems in the country.

One of the country’s occupational therapists, Patience Chimwaza said most young people are unable to open up to their parents on issues of mental health including addiction and drug and substance abuse.

Chimwaza said there is need to create a safe space for youths to be able to openly express themselves hence coming up with an idea to conduct a mental health clinic.

The training, scheduled for Monday next week at in Lilongwe, aims at equipping youths with skills that will enable them deal with mental health challenges.

Chimwaza emphasized that it is critical to raise mentally stable youths to drive development of the nation.

He further said there is need to engage parents in order to create a conducive environment for youths to be able to have an open discussion on mental health.