Zimbabwe: Mental health and wellness

My name is Charnyce Herbert, and I am a mental health advocate working with young people in Umguza, Zimbabwe. For years, I have partnered with local schools, community structures and mental health professionals to raise awareness about mental illness, build support networks and create safe spaces where young people feel heard, understood and supported. My story is about transforming a community where many youth once felt alone into one where mental health is openly discussed, healing is encouraged, and wellness is prioritized. 

In Umguza, rising cases of anxiety, depression, stress, social media related pressures and emotional distress were increasingly affecting young people. Many suffered silently because of stigma, cultural misconceptions and the absence of accessible mental health support. A lack of coping mechanisms and safe spaces left young people isolated, and the community had limited resources to address the growing problem. 

Our initiative set out to change this reality. The goal was clear: reduce stigma, increase mental health awareness, teach coping skills and create a supportive network led by youth for youth. Before our interventions, mental health conversations were rare. Many young people felt ashamed to speak about their struggles, fearing judgement or dismissal. Emotional distress manifested as withdrawal, low self esteem or behavioral problems, yet few had the courage or knowledge to seek help. 

The stigma surrounding mental health meant that even those who wanted help seldom reached out. Schools and communities had limited capacity to support affected youth. Without proper information, mental health challenges were often misunderstood or trivialized. The transformation in Umguza has been remarkable. We worked intentionally to create youth friendly mental health programs, and the community responded with enthusiasm. 

Workshops and seminars introduced young people to mental health literacy, helping them understand what anxiety, depression and stress look like and how to respond. Through testimonies and open discussions, young people learned that mental health challenges do not make them weak. 

Our peer to peer support model became one of the most impactful components of the Programme. Peer-led spaces allowed young people to share experiences openly, build trust, and support one another in ways that felt relatable. This helped reduce stigma significantly, as youth realized they were not alone. 

Physical wellness activities including exercise sessions, yoga, gym programs and mindfulness practices strengthened the connection between physical and mental wellbeing. Young people discovered healthy coping mechanisms, learning that staying active is a powerful tool for managing stress and anxiety. The combined approach of education, peer support and physical wellness created a sense of belonging, especially in an era where social media pressures often undermine young people’s confidence and sense of self-worth. 

Today, youth in Umguza are more connected, supported and mentally resilient. They feel accepted in their community and have access to activities and resources that promote long-lasting mental and emotional wellbeing. We began by recognizing the isolation and stigma young people faced. To create awareness, we conducted a series of workshops and seminars on mental health, coping skills, emotional hygiene and available support services. Mental health professionals provided expert guidance, ensuring young people accessed credible, compassionate information. 

Recognizing the power of shared experience, we developed peer-led support groups within community centers. These groups encouraged openness, conversations, and shared problem solving. The presence of peers created a safe space where youth could express themselves without fear of judgement. 

To reinforce emotional well-being, we introduced physical activity programs structured exercise, yoga, gym sessions and wellness challenges. These gave young people practical strategies for relieving stress, staying grounded and building confidence. Over time, trust grew. Young people who once stayed silent began speaking up. Stigma decreased, barriers fell, and resilience grew. A strong, youth led support network emerged, shifting the community’s understanding of mental health. 

Charnyce Herbert, Zimbabwe