Author and mental health advocate Penomwaameni Natangwe (22) will start a mental health awareness campaign in Namibia aimed at young people.
The initiative seeks to offer support, education, and resources that are especially designed for young people struggling with mental health issues.
Natangwe says she founded the initiative after being diagnosed with bipolar type 2 disorder, a difficult experience, which, she says, broadened her understanding of mental health.
“Navigating the stigma surrounding mental health has been challenging, but it has also inspired me to share my story and advocate for others,” she says.
According to Natangwe, a clinical psychology student and neuro-linguistic programming practitioner, she is now working on her second book which will examine her experience with diagnosis, coping mechanisms and how medicine helps manage her illness.
“I am thrilled to announce the launch of ‘Mental Health Awareness Namibia’ in December.
This organisation is committed to promoting mental health and well-being throughout the nation, with a particular emphasis on youth.”
According to her, many young people in Namibia deal with a variety of mental health issues, frequently lacking the skills or resources to deal with them.
“Mental Health Awareness Namibia seeks to establish a secure environment where young people can access screening, learn about mental health, and get the help they require.”
Natangwe says she hopes to enable young Namibians to understand and prioritise their mental health by encouraging candid discussions and dispelling stigma.
“With this initiative, I am dedicated to assisting young people in realising they are not alone and that mental health is crucial for leading a satisfying life,” she says, adding that Mental Health Awareness Namibia will offer the tools and support required for young people to flourish.
At the age of 18, the author wrote and published the book ‘Good Life Problem,’ which aimed to address mental health issues.
Throughout the writing process, she claims to have unknowingly captured her personal struggles, documenting feelings triggered by bipolar episodes.
She also says she is working on a second book, which will serve as a record of her difficult experiences.
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