Mental health impacted by colonialism

Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula has blamed the colonial political system, amongst other factors, for widespread mental health disorders and related problems in Namibia.

The minister said this at the launch of the National Mental Health Care Namibia (NMHCN), a mental health non-profit, in Swakopmund on Saturday.

The launch was accompanied by a showcase of boxing bouts that included champions such as Harry Simon, Paulus Moses, Vikapita Meroro and Paulus Ambunda as well as comedians and socialites Milton Xuro and Leonard Witbeen.

“Namibia has been negatively impacted by the colonial political system of racial domination and oppression. Many years of liberation struggle and wars, which were accompanied by major psychological stressors, have had important implications for the poor state of mental health," Shangula said.

Besides the high rate of unemployment, which increases the risk of mental disorders, the minister said the problem is worsened by a declining sense of social cohesion and solidarity that prevailed during the difficult years of colonialism.

He said mental illness can affect anybody, "regardless of race, colour, gender, age or nationality".

True nature

International studies suggest that approximately two to three percent of the population suffers from seriously incapacitating mental disorders at any one time, while approximately 10% have common mental disorders.

"In Namibia, the available data on mental health does not adequately reflect the true nature and magnitude of mental health problems," the minister said.

He cautioned that a dependency on alcohol and tobacco is on the increase among the population and that the high rate of domestic and sexual violence is linked to substance abuse, especially alcohol.

According to Shangula, many Namibians struggle with mental health problems, while the recent increase in suicide ideation and actual suicide among citizens is a matter of grave concern.

"Some mental illnesses can be cured, while other conditions can be rehabilitated in order to sustain and improve quality of life. The outcome of the treatment depends on early detection and intervention, proper follow-up and rehabilitation," said Shangula.

No losers

He said the Namibian government fully supports initiatives such as NMHCN, which create awareness around issues such as gender-based violence, rape, suicide and depression ¬- all factors that contribute to the deterioration of mental health in society.

Shangula said although there is a robust mental health programme in place, "the magnitude of the problem outstrips the available infrastructure and human resources".

He said the ministry is finalising the Mental Health Amendment Bill, which aims to regulate mental healthcare in order to promote the dignity, autonomy, human rights and the optimal mental, social and physical wellbeing of persons with mental health conditions; the care and treatment and the procedures that must be followed.

There were no losers at the NMHCN matches, only entertaining exhibitions that demonstrated the boxers' support of the initiative and their willingness to show that rape, depression and suicide can be 'boxed out'.

"'Box out suicide, box out depression and box out rape' drive home the message of hope and resilience. It is a demonstration of the power of sport to contribute to good physical and mental health, which sometimes is not exploited to the fullest extent," said the minister.

The organisation’s founder Cathy Kambanda said the launch and ticket sales would help raise funds to establish the organisation and help those dealing with mental health issues.

The aim of NMHCN is to assist people with mental health problems and to promote good mental health and well-being amongst the Namibian public.

Kambanda knows what the struggle is like, having been a victim of rape, with ensuing depression and suicidal tendencies, which she has overcome "by the grace of God".