Defined as a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community, mental health and access to mental wellness facilities, continues to be a challenge in low-middle income countries including Malawi.

In 2019, the world health organization estimated that 1 in every 8 people, or 970 million people around the world were living with a mental disorder. Despondently, more than 80% of the population that suffers from the condition in question, are in the low-middle income countries (LMICs). The treatment gap between developed and developing nations is estimated at 30-50% in developed countries and 76-85% in developing countries.

Malawi Police Service registered 527 and >597 fatal suicide behaviours in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

BACKGROUND

There are already other esteemed institutions providing quality mental health services such as Zomba Mental Hospital; St. John of God Hospitaller Services; Partners In Health; MeHUCA; I-Mind and Autism Hope trust. Nonetheless, with the fact that suicide cases; use of illicit substances and exploitation of the elderly recovering from neurocognitive (dementia) is on the surge, explains why more organizations have to step in and help Malawi’s burden.

PURPOSE

To bridge the existing mental health treatment gap in Malawi through: increasing access to mental health related information & treatment; reducing mental health related stigma and to inspire “help seeking behaviour” in relation to mental health problems and disorders.

MISSION

To enhance the well-being of individuals and communities in Malawi and even across our borders by providing comprehensive mental health education and treatment, support and advocacy to those living or recovering from mental health disorders and problems.

VISION

To be an institution that that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. In order to achieve our mission, we have guiding principles aka values

VALUES

Empathy, excellence and cordiality.

• Empathy refers to the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person
• Excellence denotes the quality of being outstanding or extremely good
• Cordiality describes the state of being warm, friendly and polite



PHILOSOPHY




To do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Any individual would be forever grateful if during their emotional distressed moments, someone was to take them to an experienced therapist who would not judge them from whatever troubling thoughts they hold, emotions they feel or tough times they are navigating through. This is the attitude the THO holds.

SUICIDE
When you encounter someone who is suicidal, try not to offer quick solutions or belittle their feelings. How big they perceive the problem to be and how much they are hurting over it is what counts. Nonetheless, ask them about what pieces of advice they would give a twin/best friend/lover if they were in the same situation as theirs. If they start brainstorming ideas, they're already on a path to recovery. If they say they don't have an idea or vehemently state that they would encourage their friend to complete suicide, don't leave them unattended. Make efforts to get them to a therapist right away! Remember, suicide should always be differentiated from self-harm which is the intentional infliction of physical harm to oneself, often to cope with or express difficult emotions, rather than with the intent to die. Nonetheless, they are both psychiatric emergencies. DEPRESSION Are you sad and you feel like there is nothing to make you happy. A million solutions are available. Remember it's not how bad our situation is that makes our life harder, but the thoughts we associate with them. Contact us.
Thats why we are here for you.