Mental health is a major concern worldwide, and it is important for everyone to actively participate in mental health awareness campaigns. In recent months, news about young people committing suicide has been prevalent on social media, raising important questions about why some people consider suicide as an option and what kind of help is available for those going through difficult times. It is possible that many people are struggling with mental health issues and dealing with them on their own.
To address these issues, the Zambia U-report team ran a mental health awareness campaign from March 1 to 31, 2022. The campaign aimed to shed light on those battling mental health illnesses and to support the survivors of mental health illnesses. It also aimed to raise awareness of mental health issues and to let young people know that the U-report SMS platform is a safe space where they can talk to professional counselors and share their problems.
One of the main objectives of the campaign was to bridge the gap in knowledge about where to access mental healthcare services. Many people are not aware of the organizations that offer mental health services, so the campaign was used as a tool to educate people about the many mental healthcare service providers in the country. Additionally, there are many misconceptions about mental health and mental health illness, as well as a significant amount of stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health issues. The campaign was used to correct misinformation and educate people about mental health in order to eliminate stigma and discrimination.
During the campaign, various activities were organized to engage U-reporters and others. The U-report team was featured on radio and TV talk shows to discuss mental health and the importance of awareness. The team had the opportunity to appear on UNZA radio, Spring TV, and Muvi TV. These media platforms were effective in reaching people in communities that the U-report team could not reach physically.
Zambia U-report team on the set of UNZA Radio 91.7FM and Funky Friday on MUVI TV
U-reporters across the country were also asked to share their mental health journey by submitting videos or written stories about their experiences, recovery, or words of encouragement. The response was overwhelming, as people had a platform to express themselves and share experiences that they had not previously shared with anyone. Messages like these formed the core of the campaign, which was all about promoting “strength through sharing.”
The two images above show some of the various stories that were shared by the U-reporters
Throughout the campaign, the U-report team reached out to people using the SMS platform and the Facebook page. Messages with information on mental health were prepared and shared on these platforms to educate people and provide them with knowledge on topics they may have had little or no understanding of.
The team on the set of the Morning Daily Show on Spring TV
One highlight of the campaign was the Aerobics Mania event on Youth Day, which was held under the theme “Mental Health is Real, Let’s ’Work it Out.’” The event featured fun and interesting exercises, which research shows can improve mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative moods, and by improving self-esteem. Psychologists and mental health experts were on hand to provide information and counseling, and a group of youths from the Ng’ombe Clinic Adolescent Youth Friendly Space was also present to provide information on sexual reproductive health and other services.
Raising awareness about mental health is not a one-time event but must be done consistently. As the Zambia U-report team, we will continue to educate and inform people about mental health and provide support for those struggling with mental health issues. We believe that by working together, we can create a society where mental health is understood and supported, and where those struggling with mental health issues can get the help they
need.
