Delaying treatment and abandoning medication are making it harder to manage mental illness, Zomba Mental Hospital has warned, as patient numbers rise beyond its official bed capacity.
The hospital has urged people experiencing mental health conditions to seek medical attention early and those already receiving treatment to continue taking their prescribed medication unless advised otherwise by healthcare professionals.
The hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Harry Kawiya, made the remarks at Zomba Mental Hospital during the commemoration of World Mental Health Day.
Kawiya said the hospital faces challenges in managing patients, partly because some people delay seeking medical attention while others stop taking their medication without consulting health professionals.
He said World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity to educate the public about mental health conditions and correct misconceptions surrounding the illnesses.
Kawiya disclosed that the hospital currently has 402 patients against its official bed capacity of 400, putting pressure on the facility.
He thanked the Ministry of Health for its continued support to the hospital.
Kawiya also challenged beliefs that mental health conditions are caused by witchcraft or spiritual practices involving traditional healers.
“Some people believe that when a person develops a mental health condition, it means they have been bewitched or affected by spiritual practices involving traditional healers. This is not true,” said Kawiya.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Health Charles Chilambula commended healthcare workers at the hospital for their dedication to caring for patients with mental health conditions.
Chilambula, who was the guest of honour at the event, said mental health conditions can arise from various factors depending on a person’s circumstances and experiences.
He urged people, particularly men, to seek support and share their worries with trusted friends and other people when facing difficulties.
Chilambula cautioned against resorting to suicide when confronted with life’s challenges, encouraging people to seek help instead.
