By Burnett Munthali November 17, 2024
Sister Agness Jonas, a mental health counsellor, has highlighted financial burdens and social pressures as key factors contributing to the declining mental resilience among Malawians. She warned that if these issues are not addressed, they could hinder societal progress by reducing productivity, destabilizing families, and weakening the social fabric.
Jonas made the remarks during a three-day mental health and safeguarding workshop held in Thyolo, organized by the African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC).
Speaking at the event, Sister Jonas emphasized the urgent need to address these mental health challenges.
“Our society is grappling with increasing mental health issues stemming from economic struggles and societal expectations. If we don’t tackle these problems, the ripple effects will harm productivity, family stability, and community cohesion,” she said.
ASEC Country Director, Sister Hilaria Chombo, explained that the workshop aimed to empower sisters with the knowledge and skills to address mental health challenges effectively.
“The workshop is designed to equip sisters to identify and address mental health issues, thereby contributing to Malawi’s fight against challenges linked to mental retardation and other mental health concerns,” she said.
The workshop, supported by Lifenet International, brought together 51 participants from 14 congregations across all eight Catholic dioceses in Malawi. The program included training on safeguarding practices and strategies to promote mental well-being in communities.
Participants lauded the initiative, calling it timely and relevant given the growing mental health concerns in the country.
This initiative underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing mental health challenges to foster a healthier and more productive society.
