Let’s talk about De-stigmatising Mental Health Within African Communities.
If you haven’t heard, I’m Nicholah Wasarirevu the CEO/Founder of Sisters Healing Space. A self-appointed Proverb Guru. Dropping proverbs that make even the village elders nod in approval. Today, I’ve got a gem for you:
“If decolonising mental health is cultural revitalization, then de-stigmatising mental health is societal transformation.
Reclaiming mental well-being is like breathing life back into our culture, and removing the stigma around mental health is the key to reshaping our society.” – Nicholah Wasarirevu.
On 7th September 2023, we witnessed a pivotal step towards societal transformation; thanks to the Curtin University African Students Association for organizing such a meaningful and incredible event.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate on the panel alongside , Mellisah Mancuveni a registered psychologist , Peter Bol OLY an Australian athlete, Hon Ayor Makur Chuot MLC and Clinical Nurse Specialist Tendai Makanyanga. Together, we delved into insightful discussions on mental health and the path to healing.
Mellisah Mancuveni’s presentation was my highlight of the night. Her insights were nothing short of enlightening.
She hit us with a real thinker: “What’s the translation of mental health in your language?” 🤔
So I speak Shona, and at that moment, I realized you know what? We’ve got a term for “crazy,” but when it comes to “mental health”? Well, let’s just say we were drawing blanks.
This hit us like a cultural wake-up call!
Imagine trying to discuss a topic when you don’t even have a word for it in your language. Highlighting the importance of de-stigmatizing mental health in our communities.
The Three D’s Framework
During the event, I had the privilege of sharing the three D’s framework we’ve developed at Sisters Healing Space: Delve, Decolonize, and Deconstruct. We talk about breaking the stigma, but it’s no walk in the park we have practical solutions. However, I have a deeper revelation on de-stigmatising mental health beyond a surface level. The Power of Delve, Decolonise, and Deconstruct.
Firstly, Delve into the Deep Roots
Mental health is deeply entwined with our cultural and historical backgrounds, much like the roots of a tree. To truly understand and address mental health, we must acknowledge and heal the traumas that exist within our history, families, and communities.
Reflecting on the generational trauma prevalent in many African communities. By delving into our shared history and experiences, we not only acknowledge the wounds but also recognize the inherent strengths passed down through generations.
Here’s another one of my signature proverbs:
“Just as inter-generational trauma can be passed down, so can generational healing. As you embark on your healing journey, remember that your lineage has gifted you with more than just wounds. Embrace and harness your inner strengths, handed down from generation to generation. Reclaiming these ancestral strengths fosters radical healing.” – Nicholah Wasarirevu
Next, We Need To Decolonise our Perspectives and Narratives
Just as nations fight for independence, we need to free our minds, reclaim our narratives, and embrace cultural wisdom.
Therapy isn’t confined to a therapist’s office. In many communities and cultures, therapeutic practices extend to activities such as storytelling. Our ancestors have practised for many generations, sitting down with family and sharing stories is so powerful. Stories carry wisdom, knowledge and healing. Playing basketball, hair braiding and barber shops, or engaging in art. These cultural practices are also therapeutic and should be recognized as such.
Last But Not Least, Deconstructing Societal Biases and Misconceptions
Last but not least, Deconstructing Societal Biases and Misconceptions
Think of these biases as bricks in a wall that perpetuates stigma and hinder open dialogue.
Visualize these biases as obstacles that hinder us from discussing mental health openly. By breaking down these barriers, we are smashing those barriers with awareness, culturally safe spaces, and open conversations, replacing judgment with compassion.
Addressing Racial Trauma
“Racism is beyond an experience or an encounter; it is a traumatic wound that lives within due to generational oppression and discrimination. A wound that can be healed through access to culturally safe spaces and services that fosters radical inter-generational healing.”- Nicholah Wasarirevu
I also shared insights into racial trauma and its impact on first and second-generation Australians. Racial trauma is the cumulative psychological and emotional effects of racism on an individual’s mental and physical health.
It’s a wound that can be healed through access to culturally safe spaces and services, fostering radical inter-generational healing and community resilience.
I shared a personal experience during my postgraduate studies, where I faced racial comments and unfair criticism from a supervisor.
Her words, “You are like a fish in a bowl because you only view things from a cultural lens, forgetting the ‘Westernized ways,'” left me anxious and nervous.
This experience heightened my vigilance in educational settings and during one-on-one supervision.
Racial trauma is a real and often underestimated aspect of mental health. It’s a continuous, harmful experience with lasting effects.
However, healing is possible through culturally safe spaces like CASA, affirming psychologists, and mental health practices advocated by Melisa and Sisters Healing Space.
Mental health transcends borders, and our understanding of it should be inclusive. By adopting the three D’s—Delve, Decolonize, and Deconstruct—and addressing racial trauma, we can work together to destigmatize mental health, fostering a compassionate and understanding society for all.
Mental health is intricately tied to our cultural and historical backgrounds, much like the roots of a tree. To truly grasp and address mental health, we must acknowledge and heal the traumas embedded within our history, families, and communities.
Reflecting on the generational trauma prevalent in many African communities, we recognized the importance of acknowledging our shared history and experiences, finding wounds, and the inherent strengths passed down through generations.
Let’s talk about De-stigmatising Mental Health Within African Communities.
If you haven’t heard, I’m Nicholah Wasarirevu the CEO/Founder of Sisters Healing Space. A self-appointed Proverb Guru. Dropping proverbs that make even the village elders nod in approval. Today, I’ve got a gem for you:
“If decolonising mental health is cultural revitalization, then de-stigmatising mental health is societal transformation.
Reclaiming mental well-being is like breathing life back into our culture, and removing the stigma around mental health is the key to reshaping our society.” – Nicholah Wasarirevu.
On 7th September 2023, we witnessed a pivotal step towards societal transformation; thanks to the Curtin University African Students Association for organizing such a meaningful and incredible event.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate on the panel alongside , Mellisah Mancuveni a registered psychologist , Peter Bol OLY an Australian athlete, Hon Ayor Makur Chuot MLC and Clinical Nurse Specialist Tendai Makanyanga. Together, we delved into insightful discussions on mental health and the path to healing.
Mellisah Mancuveni’s presentation was my highlight of the night. Her insights were nothing short of enlightening.
She hit us with a real thinker: “What’s the translation of mental health in your language?” 🤔
So I speak Shona, and at that moment, I realized you know what? We’ve got a term for “crazy,” but when it comes to “mental health”? Well, let’s just say we were drawing blanks.
This hit us like a cultural wake-up call!
Imagine trying to discuss a topic when you don’t even have a word for it in your language. Highlighting the importance of de-stigmatizing mental health in our communities.
The Three D’s Framework
During the event, I had the privilege of sharing the three D’s framework we’ve developed at Sisters Healing Space: Delve, Decolonize, and Deconstruct. We talk about breaking the stigma, but it’s no walk in the park we have practical solutions. However, I have a deeper revelation on de-stigmatising mental health beyond a surface level. The Power of Delve, Decolonise, and Deconstruct.
Firstly, Delve into the Deep Roots
Mental health is deeply entwined with our cultural and historical backgrounds, much like the roots of a tree. To truly understand and address mental health, we must acknowledge and heal the traumas that exist within our history, families, and communities.
Reflecting on the generational trauma prevalent in many African communities. By delving into our shared history and experiences, we not only acknowledge the wounds but also recognize the inherent strengths passed down through generations.
Here’s another one of my signature proverbs:
“Just as inter-generational trauma can be passed down, so can generational healing. As you embark on your healing journey, remember that your lineage has gifted you with more than just wounds. Embrace and harness your inner strengths, handed down from generation to generation. Reclaiming these ancestral strengths fosters radical healing.” – Nicholah Wasarirevu
Next, We Need To Decolonise our Perspectives and Narratives
Just as nations fight for independence, we need to free our minds, reclaim our narratives, and embrace cultural wisdom.
Therapy isn’t confined to a therapist’s office. In many communities and cultures, therapeutic practices extend to activities such as storytelling. Our ancestors have practised for many generations, sitting down with family and sharing stories is so powerful. Stories carry wisdom, knowledge and healing. Playing basketball, hair braiding and barber shops, or engaging in art. These cultural practices are also therapeutic and should be recognized as such.
Last But Not Least, Deconstructing Societal Biases and Misconceptions
Last but not least, Deconstructing Societal Biases and Misconceptions
Think of these biases as bricks in a wall that perpetuates stigma and hinder open dialogue.
Visualize these biases as obstacles that hinder us from discussing mental health openly. By breaking down these barriers, we are smashing those barriers with awareness, culturally safe spaces, and open conversations, replacing judgment with compassion.
Addressing Racial Trauma
“Racism is beyond an experience or an encounter; it is a traumatic wound that lives within due to generational oppression and discrimination. A wound that can be healed through access to culturally safe spaces and services that fosters radical inter-generational healing.”- Nicholah Wasarirevu
I also shared insights into racial trauma and its impact on first and second-generation Australians. Racial trauma is the cumulative psychological and emotional effects of racism on an individual’s mental and physical health.
It’s a wound that can be healed through access to culturally safe spaces and services, fostering radical inter-generational healing and community resilience.
I shared a personal experience during my postgraduate studies, where I faced racial comments and unfair criticism from a supervisor.
Her words, “You are like a fish in a bowl because you only view things from a cultural lens, forgetting the ‘Westernized ways,'” left me anxious and nervous.
This experience heightened my vigilance in educational settings and during one-on-one supervision.
Racial trauma is a real and often underestimated aspect of mental health. It’s a continuous, harmful experience with lasting effects.
However, healing is possible through culturally safe spaces like CASA, affirming psychologists, and mental health practices advocated by Melisa and Sisters Healing Space.
Like tree roots , our mental well-being is entwined with our cultural and historical roots. To understand and heal our mental well-being, we must confront and mend the traumas etched into our history, families, and communities – Nicholah Wasarirevu
Mental health transcends borders, and our understanding of it should be inclusive. By adopting the three D’s—Delve, Decolonize, and Deconstruct—and addressing racial trauma, we can work together to de-stigmatise mental health, fostering a compassionate and understanding society for all.
Reflecting on the generational trauma prevalent in many African communities, we recognized the importance of acknowledging our shared history and experiences, finding wounds, and the inherent strengths passed down through generations.
References and Further Reading
Mental Health Stigma and the African Diaspora
Cultural Competence in Mental Health
The Role of Culture in Mental Health Diagnosis
