By Andrew Mwanandiye Tembo
Hope Counselling and Recreation Center(Hopecrec), a nonprofit organization that promotes discussion on issues of Mental Health has commended government for allowing people who had attempted to commit suicide to undergo mental health counselling rather than arresting them.
Speaking during a public discussion meeting on mental health solutions in Blantyre, one of the professional mental health counselor, Sir Walker Gondwe commended the police in the country for allowing those who attempt suicide not to be arrested but instead sent for special counselling.
“I thank government for not arresting the suicidals but they advice them to go for mental health counselling, and this have created a mile for us as mental health counselors as Hopecrec through the initiative “In the shoes of men”.Said Gondwe.
The initiative teaches the public on how they can continue living a positive life after experiencing different challenges in life and hence reduce suicidal mindsets which comes as a result of depression.
Gondwe further said 80 present of men in the country commit suicide due to depression ,hence the training serves as a solution.
In a testimonial comment, Yamikani Nakanga from Lilongwe who was once filled with suicidal thoughts and attempted to commit suicide but later survived ,said he appreciated the help he received after meeting Hopecrec in the initiative for counselling and is currently living a happy life.
” I tried to hang myself with a rope for 4 times but I survived, I met Hopecrec /in the shoes of men ,and I got the counselling now that helped me and I thank God for this” He said.
And in summing up all ,a former Malawian primary school head teacher Madam Grace Kananza advised people to have hope by believing in God and develop a hard working spirit.
“Christ Jesus changes lives ,believe in God and depend on him ,be a hardworker, and you will live a happy life,I am a widow and I retired from my work, but I live a better life” said mama Kananza with citations of verses.
Hopecrec through “in the Shoes of men” initiative is a nonprofitable a Malawian Christian organization that promotes discussions on mental health related issues by sharing of challenges faced by people within communities and reduce suicide in the country.
