By Success Majaramhepo:

MDC president Nelson Chamisa has encouraged all Zimbabweans to take time out to show compassion towards each other regardless of their political affiliation  and reduce the rate of suicide cases in the country.

In a speech to mark the National Mental Healthy Day,  Chamisa said due to the economic crisis in the country people have to take care of each other as this can help to heal many traumatic wounds.

“At this important day, I encourage all Zimbabweans to take time out to show compassion towards each other and remember that regardless of our various chosen political persuasions, we are one people.

“Be your brother’s keeper, be the mother of the nation who will help heal the many traumatic wounds that we carry from a very difficult past and presently harsh economic environment. Under my new government, I make a commitment today to putting mental health amongst my first priorities in order to reduce the unacceptable mental treatment gap,” he said

He said according to the World Health Organisation, the country has one of the highest suicide rates in the region due to a struggling economy putting unbearable pressure on the minds of its citizens.

Chamisa further stated that suicidal rates had escalated due to the decline of the health sector and other mental health problems caused by age and taboos are not talked about sufficiently and openly in our communities.