From Africa to UK…My Mental Health Journey

Submitted by Isheanesu Mutyambizi on Wed, 11/12/2019 - 22:22
Audio: 
When I was in Zimbabwe, the first thing that came to my mind when I heard the word “Mental Illness” was a picture of a Psychiatric Hospital or a crazy human being who has lost all their sanity, walking around in rags and talking to themselves most of the time. Some of you might say that I have been watching to many Nollywood movies of people going crazy after a black magic spell goes wrong, but to be honest that’s what I thought mental illness was.
 
But is that what Mental illness is all about? Have we ever been told the truth about Mental illness in our African and Caribbean cultures? On this Podcast, I will be talking to Mrs Shantel Mukungunugwa whose a Social Worker and Captain Debbie Sanders a Pastor from The Salvation Arny. In order to gain more understanding about this shunned topic within the Black community.
 
 
And don't think you are not welcome to particpate, for I would love to hear your opinions of what Mental Health and Mental Illnes really means to you. And what solutions do we need to implement in order to bring permanent change?
 
 
 
 
Music By: Akashic Records – African Mbira with Percussion – Provided by Jamendo
 
Image by: Isheanesu Mutyambizi
 
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Comments

Weston Mupfururirwa (not verified)

Thu, 12/12/2019 - 07:06

I had the same thinking that mental illness in Africa is caused by a spell from other jealous people around you,But when I came to Europe I started realising that so many things triggers mental illness etc drugs, pressure from work or in a broad term Stress.I have realised that in Europe you can be treated and get back to normal or maybe improve in your situation, but in Africa you are abandoned where by making it worse, this is what I understand and it's a painful situation really in Africa that needs urgent attention and people needs to be educated on this if we are to help the affected ones before it's to late.

Isheanesu Mutyambizi

Mon, 16/12/2019 - 07:18

Agree with you 100 percent about education, the more people know from an early age the better

Panyika Karimanzira (not verified)

Thu, 12/12/2019 - 08:34

Interesting topic, well presented and well articulated.

Nonsi Mpofu (not verified)

Thu, 12/12/2019 - 17:57

Very interesting topic. Didn’t really know much about mental health before I’m moved to this country and I’m sure most Africans are still misinformed about what mental health is about . Enjoyed listening to the podcast .

Nonsi Mpofu (not verified)

Thu, 12/12/2019 - 17:57

Very interesting topic. Didn’t really know much about mental health before I’m moved to this country and I’m sure most Africans are still misinformed about what mental health is about . Enjoyed listening to the podcast .

Ollie Hopewell

Sat, 14/12/2019 - 15:48

Very smooth start, I think you've found a really interesting perspective on this topic. Your music choice immediately tells the listener that you are looking at the African perspective on the subject, meaning that you are underlining your perspective before you even mention it, great job! You have chosen two good interviewees and your description is very informative. I think you have shown a lot of respect to your topic and it plays out well, but you need to conclude with what you think! Great work, Ishe!

Sam Redgate-Large

Sun, 15/12/2019 - 15:16

I think its a shame that mental health isn't taught in Africa, but if you aren't taught you could never know the importance. This is a key area where African nations need to improve their awareness as they are far behind by the looks of things!

Oliver Eaton

Sun, 15/12/2019 - 16:16

Mental health has increased, but so has awareness. I think once awareness has developed and raised, then the message of mental health will spread worldwide.

Amy Louise Tough

Sun, 15/12/2019 - 19:50

really clear and informative, hopefully awareness for mental illnesses can keep being spread as much as possible, I learnt something new listening to this podcast

Bernice maenzanise (not verified)

Mon, 16/12/2019 - 20:03

Yes very interesting read I agree with you total and would like to say mental health has always existed in our culture but always diagnosed at it's late stages which created fear to the community with lack of education and support lead to isolation of affected individuals

Annie Blackburn

Tue, 17/12/2019 - 21:01

The music in this makes the podcast flow so well and really brings your topic to life! I think that in covering this you have raised something which not many people in the Uk will be aware about. It is extremely interesting hearing a story about mental health from a different perspective!

Niamh Griffiths

Tue, 17/12/2019 - 21:24

Such an important topic to cover, that needs to be talked about a-lot more! Really enjoyed learning about a different perspective on mental health! The music used definitely highlights the perspective you are talking about.

Oscar Lyttle

Wed, 18/12/2019 - 15:44

Felix!! What a good listen this is. The stats and information you use regarding mental health within the black community is insightful and eye-opening. Good interviews and nice structure to your podcast, with good use of music. Let's make this a more talked about topic! Top job buddie!

Delina Mutyambizi (not verified)

Sun, 22/12/2019 - 03:43

Very important topic. Many people in our African culture are very misinformed about mental health and awareness is strongly needed in most of our communities.

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