Mental health illness remains a significant public health challenge both in Tanzania and globally, contributing to poor health outcomes and impacting the country’s socioeconomic development. At JUKWAA LA JAMII in Morogoro, where over twenty-three local NGOs gathered to address various community issues, HOTA (Hope of Life Tanzania) took the opportunity to address mental health concerns. HOTA conducted mental health education sessions for more than one hundred Morogoro residents and twenty-three local NGO representatives, including Imarisha, New Hope Mind Support, TAS Morogoro, TUNZA Jamii Foundation, and many others.
Activity Goals and Objectives:
Goal:
To create awareness in the community about mental health illness and how to manage it through psychological support and seeking treatment at health facilities.
Objectives:
- Provide education on the burden of mental health illness.
- Educate on the causes, signs, and symptoms of mental health issues.
- Raise awareness about treatment options and the importance of psychological support.
- Offer information on depression, its causes, signs, and treatments.
- Highlight the role of physical exercise, sleep, a balanced diet, and psychological support in overcoming mental health challenges.
Activity Approach
Approach 1: Health Talk Session
The facilitator led a health talk covering mental health illness, its causes, signs, symptoms, and treatment. The session was interactive, allowing participants to share personal stories and experiences related to mental health within their communities.
Approach 2: Discussion and Q&A
A discussion session allowed participants to ask questions, and the facilitator clarified common misconceptions about mental health. The audience responded positively, committing to becoming mental health ambassadors in their communities, helping those in need through collaboration with health professionals and psychologists.
Outcomes:
- Increased awareness of mental health illness among participants.
- Participation of more than 100 individuals and 23 local NGOs.
- Participants with mental health challenges were linked to health facilities and psychologists.
- Participants committed to becoming advocates for mental health awareness in their communities.
Conclusion:
The mental health awareness session held in Morogoro successfully educated 130 participants on mental health issues and how to address them through psychological support and healthcare. However, more educational efforts are needed to reach a larger population nationwide. HOTA extends gratitude to Morogoro Paralegal NGO for organizing JUKWAA LA JAMII and providing this platform to address such critical issues.
