A Safer Zambia Starts with Mental Health
- Yanjanani Phiri
- May 31
- 3 min read
Mental health is important for everyone. In Zambia, more people are starting to talk about it but many still struggle in silence. Whether it's stress, depression, or trauma, these challenges can affect anyone, no matter where they live or how old they are.
The Mental Safety Module by SAFIGI equips learners with the knowledge and skills to cultivate and sustain mental well-being, fostering a healthy and resilient state of mind. Mental safety refers to maintaining a stable and rational mental state, which is essential for overall well-being. A strong foundation in mental health enhances an individual's ability to make sound decisions, accurately perceive their environment, and navigate life safely.
We must begin to see mental health as part of public health. When our minds are not okay, our communities, families, and workplaces also suffer. That’s why mental health safety, taking steps to protect and support people’s mental well-being is something we all need to care about.
As a component of Internal Safety, mental safety falls within the realm of intangible forms of protection. While safety is often associated with external threats, internal factors can also pose significant risks. For example, an individual’s cognitive patterns, coping mechanisms, and sense of self-worth play a critical role in their overall safety.
When these elements are compromised, they can lead to internal distress, which may manifest in harmful ways either inwardly (such as self-harm) or outwardly (such as mistreatment of others). Understanding and addressing these internal aspects are key to fostering a holistic sense of safety. Let's embark on this enlightening exploration together.
What Is Mental Health Safety?
Mental Health Safety means creating safe spaces at home, in schools, at work, and in the community. It’s about making sure people feel supported, heard, and not judged when they face emotional struggles.
In Zambia, many people dealing with mental health issues don’t get the help they need. Reasons include stigma, a shortage of trained professionals, and limited awareness about what mental health really means.
Mental Health and Public Health in Zambia
Mental health affects everyone, and when ignored, it can lead to:
More violence and substance abuse.
Poor school performance or dropping out.
Fewer people can work and support their families.
Broken relationships and less trust in our communities.
Even though Zambia passed the Mental Health Act of 2019, many people still don’t get the support they deserve. That’s why we need more action, especially from the ground up.
How the Holistic Safety Education Course Helps
The Holistic Safety Education Course is a practical training that helps people understand safety in every part of life mental, physical, emotional, and social. It’s especially useful for girls, youths and community leaders. This course helps people see mental health as a shared responsibility, not just a hospital issue.
What We Can Do Together
To make Zambia mentally healthier and safer, we can:
Teach more people about mental health in schools, churches, and clinics.
Train teachers and community health workers to spot signs of distress.
Break the silence and stigma by talking openly and kindly.
Use the Holistic Safety Education Course to build safer spaces for all.
Final Thoughts
Mental health affects how we think, feel, work, and relate to others. It is just as important as physical health. If we want a stronger, safer Zambia, we must take mental health seriously.
The Holistic Safety Education Course is one tool we can use to make a big difference starting in our homes, schools, and communities.
Let’s work together to make Zambia a place where everyone feels safe, supported, and mentally strong.
By: Yanjanani Brian Phiri
Yanjanani is a well-rounded and dedicated Public Health Specialist and Researcher with over 10 years of experience leading impactful health programs and research initiatives across Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa. His work focuses on advancing health equity through evidence-based research, Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), and community-driven approaches.
He has successfully managed health, education, and humanitarian projects with a strong emphasis on community engagement, developing M&E frameworks and tools that enhance program effectiveness. He has collaborated with leading non-governmental organizations to address critical public health challenges, particularly in the areas of NCDs, NTDs, HIV, TB, and mental health. A passionate mental health advocate, he is committed to integrating mental health into public health systems, promoting awareness, and supporting inclusive, ethical, and sustainable health solutions for underserved populations.
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