combinepdf (3)

and counsellors within the primary
health care system and public institutions.
Zimbabwe’s mental health
system is currently unsustainable as
it is relying on a poorly resourced
pharmacological approach hinged
on only four psychiatric centres and
very few psychiatrists and psychiatric
nurses. The system currently
does not seem to give any serious
recognition to non-pharmacological
practitioners who include psychologists,
counsellors, occupational
therapists and clinical social workers.
Additionally, the need for
investment in tools of the trade such
as psychometric instruments which
are necessary for screening and
diagnosis of mental disorders
cannot be overemphasised.
3. Absorption of students
at tertiary education level
into the mainstream
health sector
The government should absorb
clinical and counselling psychology
interns into the health sector as a
matter of urgency. The proposal is
that every Psychiatric Hospital
should have at least ten (10) interns,
every Provincial Hospital to have at
least five (5) interns and at least one
intern psychologist for every District
Hospital. This arrangement will
entail the engagement of fully registered
psychologists at all the stated
hospital to ensure proper supervision
of the interns.
4. A Psychologist for every
school
The school system represents a greater
chunk of the population of Zimbabwe
therefore, a point of need for
mental health care services. In that
regard, it is necessary to ensure that
educational psychologists are
engaged at every public school.
Currently, only some private schools
are engaging psychologists at their
schools and public schools access
psychologists at the provincial level.
5. Awareness
There is need to raise awareness on
causes and treatment of mental
illnesses so as to deal with the stigma
currently associated with mental
illnesses in our communities. To this
end, psychologists, counsellors and
social workers should be engaged on
a full-time basis.
You Are
Not
Alone
Because of the stigma attached to
mental illness, it’s often hard for
those struggling and their families
and friends to talk about what they’re
going through. But help is available,
and it works.
Mental Balance is providing a
platform to those who are struggling
with mental challenges to reach out
to us. There are people who can
help if you come out of your shell.
You can write to us today, a short
story you tell can be the difference
that lets someone know that they are
not alone.
YOU ARE NOT
ALONE
We hope that you will join us in giving a
voice to a struggle that millions of
people face every day.
We’re here to inspire people to express
themselves and find help if they need it.
As a result, bad language, violent imagery
and other offensive and explicit material
are off-limits.
yu can use the contact form on website
or info@mentalbalanceseries.com
Feb 2022 Issue 1 Mental Balance 15