After being triggered with the current surge of suicide cases in the country due to depression, gospel musician Harris Chiwalo has embarked on a journey advocating and raising awareness on mental health.
Chiwalo said the move is aimed at helping people to avoid from finding solution in suicide which is seen as an immediate way out from depression.
“I am advocating for and raising awareness on mental health particularly depression to prevent and avoid people from finding solution in committing suicide,” Chiwalo said in an interview with Faceofmalawi.
The Ndinu Nokha hit maker said apart from his social media platforms, he is using the skills he was blessed with such as music and graphic designing to spread the words of hope to the depressed.
“I am using my social media means, music and designing skills to spread the word,” added Chiwalo.
Considering that he has taken a huge task, Chiwalo said he has friends on board who have offered to help his initiative who he said are “designated professional counsellors whose phones are available 24/7 to offer help to anyone going through pain.”
Meanwhile, Chiwalo has challenged five of his friends who do music to join him in raising the awareness on mental health particularly depression by recording a 30 seconds clip with or without instrument using below lyrics.
“Usadziphe chifukwa cha nkhawa, Suli wekha uzako ena, akuthandiza Suli wekha. Do not kill yourself because of depression/ you are not alone/ tell others/ they will help/ you are not alone/”
The challenged musicians are; Chigo Grace, Atikonda, Wakhu, Timothy Kumbulani and Saxess.
“Suicide is not a solution, you are not alone. Learn to speak, it is not always big issues, it is the small ones that build up depression,” advised Chiwalo.
According to Chiwalo this is an ongoing initiative until there are zero cases of suicide in the country.
