EZULWINI — Modern relationships (umjolo) now spark mental health crises comparable to formal marriages, psychiatric professionals at Eswatini’s referral hospital have warned.
Speaking during the Eswatini College of Theology Psychology Association of Students (ECTPAS) annual Mental Health Awareness Walk in Ezulwini on Thursday morning, Wonderboy Dlamini, an in-service nurse at the Eswatini National Psychiatric Referral Hospital, highlighted romantic friction and financial strain as key drivers of psychological distress nationwide.
The walk took place ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10.
Dlamini stressed that once mental well-being collapses, overall bodily function suffers.
“In these days, there are a lot of things that affect our mental health, which include money issues and relationships. Before, mental health was an issue in marriage, but now, even in relationships, it poses a serious problem where we even hear some say relationships hardly survive three months,” he stated.
He noted that a woman with a loving partner might struggle to give or receive affection if her mental health is compromised.
“Please take care of your brains. We have observed that once the brain gets damaged, nothing then functions. You may have all the skills and muscle, but once the engine of the body gets damaged, it’s all over,” Dlamini added.
He encouraged citizens to access free services at the public hospital or seek private care if affordable.
Meanwhile, Eswatini Psychology Association (EPA) Vice Secretary Velile Dlamini urged the public to overcome the stigma surrounding seeking help.
“You still fear to speak out, especially men who conceal abuse by their wives. Speak out pertaining to any issues of money or your children addicted to drugs. Do not lose your mental health due to gambling or playing aviators,” Dlamini said.
Eswatini Athletics (AE) Board Member Nqobile Zwane, representing President Zakhele Dlamini, urged couples to prioritise mental well-being to prevent gender-based violence.
She advised partners to step away temporarily during domestic friction, suggesting activities such as jogging to gain clarity before resolving disputes.
ECTPAS Vice President Zakithi Nsibandze explained that the event aimed to address a topic that remains largely overlooked in the country, adding that plans are underway to expand the walk next year.
“We want to advocate for mental health and speak up about mental health. Mental health doesn’t isolate, and everybody must have healthy mental health,” Nsibandze said, thanking supporters and participants who carried placards calling for openness.
The 4.5km event attracted over 200 participants, including members of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF), His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) and college staff and students, completed in just over an hour accompanied by themed marching songs from the uniformed forces.
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