Amiso Counselling Service's 'Suli Wekha' Campaign Challenges Mental Health Stigma in Malawi

Amiso Counselling Service has launched a pioneering mental health awareness campaign, 'Suli Wekha,' in Zomba city, Malawi, aiming to encourage men to seek help for mental health issues. The campaign challenges deeply ingrained cultural beliefs that seeking help is a sign of weakness.

The campaign, spearheaded by Ganizani Lameck Misomali, Team Leader for Amiso Counselling Service, aims to sensitize the local community about the importance of seeking psychosocial support when dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression. Misomali emphasized the campaign's core message: 'We wanted to encourage men to cry, to show that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.'

Mental health awareness campaigns like 'Suli Wekha' are vital in addressing the growing mental health crisis globally, especially in low-income countries where resources are limited. If left unaddressed, mental health issues can have severe consequences on individuals, families, and communities, including increased suicide rates, social isolation, and decreased productivity.

Held at busy trading centers, the 'Suli Wekha' campaign utilized a public address system, flyers, and presentations to reach a wide audience. The team targeted individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, or age, ensuring that the message of mental health awareness was inclusive and far-reaching.

During the event, Amiso Counselling Service team members were available for one-on-one sessions, addressing critical personal questions and offering immediate support. The organization also encouraged individuals to seek further help through office visits or online platforms, providing a range of resources and support systems.

Recognizing that youths are significantly affected by mental health issues, Amiso Counselling Service plans to implement initiatives with secondary schools. This forward-thinking approach aims to address mental health challenges early and provide young people with the tools and support they need.

Collaboration and community engagement are central to the campaign's strategy. Amiso Counselling Service values partnerships with government institutions, private organizations, NGOs, community groups, and individuals passionate about improving mental wellness in Malawi. Misomali expressed appreciation for the positive responses from government institutions, including the city authority and Malawi Police Services, who assisted with security and spreading awareness messages.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, Amiso Counselling Service can be contacted via phone at 0889 855 523 for support and resources.

The 'Suli Wekha' campaign highlights the importance of seeking help for mental health issues, promoting the idea that doing so is a sign of strength, not weakness. Through this initiative, Amiso Counselling Service is making substantial progress in changing perceptions and providing much-needed support to individuals in Malawi.

Key Takeaways

• Amiso Counselling Service launches "Suli Wekha" campaign to promote mental health awareness in Malawi.
• The campaign aims to encourage men to seek help for mental health issues, challenging cultural beliefs.
• The initiative uses public address systems, flyers, and presentations to reach a wide audience.
• One-on-one sessions and online platforms are available for individuals to seek support and resources.
• The campaign plans to expand to secondary schools to address mental health challenges in youths.