In the heart of the South West Region of Cameroon, nestled within Wabane Sub Division, a quiet but powerful movement has just begun. On a day filled with hope and community spirit, we at Chiamoh Mental Health Our Priority officially launched our activities in Mmuock Leteh Village. As a civil society association built by and for those with lived and living experiences, our mission is simple yet profound: to make mental health and stress management a priority for women and young people.
This landmark event was made possible through the generous sponsorship of #FabulousCompanyLTD Bamenda Cameroon, with incredible support from the Association of Mental Health Reform Organisations in Africa (AMHROA) and the United Nations Population Fund (#UNFPACameroun). Their belief in our vision fuels our journey forward.
Why Here? Why Now?
Global data shows that low- and middle-income countries bear a heavy mental health burden, and even those numbers are likely underestimates. Within these vulnerable settings, made even more fragile by conflict and socioeconomic hardship, rural communities like ours are often the last to be reached. The digital divide and hard-to-reach terrain create a gap-a gap in care, in attention, and in understanding.
It is for this very reason that we have headquartered our work right here, in the conflict-affected South West Region. Our mission is to bridge that gap. We are here to bring dedicated care to settings that have been overlooked and to connect the powerful, on-the-ground realities of our communities with the important work being done by national, continental, and global initiatives for #HealthForAll.
A Community Embraces a New Conversation
The launch was not just an event; it was a gathering of the village’s soul. We were honored to have local leaders and community members fill the space, their presence a testament to the need for this conversation. The main speakers were a vibrant tapestry of community voices: the village chief, a respected religious leader, the dedicated nurse from the local health center, a passionate youth leader, the parish chair lady and catechist, and brave women and men from the community.
The response was overwhelming. The enthusiasm and wholeheartedness with which our initiative was welcomed were truly moving. We heard a clear and unified message from the people: “Please, come back soon. We need more of this.”
We began by demystifying mental health, breaking down the heavy stigma that often reduces it to misconceptions of severe psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. We talked about things that touch every life here:
- Burnout from the tireless work of managing agricultural activities.
- Anxiety and depression, the silent struggles many face.
- Epilepsy, a prevalent condition in our setting that is tragically stigmatized.
- The devastating realities of suicide and social isolation.
- And most importantly, the incredible power of our own lived experiences to drive real change and provide genuine care.
A Powerful Awakening: Connecting the Dots
As we spoke, something beautiful happened. A wave of understanding and awakening swept through the crowd. People began to connect the dots between their struggles and their mental well-being. Many related their sleepless nights and constant suffering not to personal failure, but to tangible, real-world problems:
- The stress of poor sales of farm produce, making it a battle to repay loans or sponsor their children’s education.
- The crushing state of farm-to-market roads and the devastating effects of climate change on their crops.
- The burden of chronic diseases coupled with insufficient health facilities.
- The deep scars of the ongoing socio-political conflict, which has strained relationships and led to school dropouts.
- Worries about alcoholism and smoking among youths, rising gender-based violence, and marital problems.
It was a powerful reminder that mental health is not an isolated issue. It is woven into the fabric of our economic, social, and environmental lives.
The Path Forward: Nurturing Wellness Together
This launch is not an end, but a beginning. Guided by the voices of the Mmuock Leteh community, we see a clear path forward. Subsequent campaigns will focus on holistic solutions, including:
- Holistic health campaigns in partnership with local health centers.
- Creating safe spaces for women and girls to connect and heal.
- Bringing health education into schools and community gatherings.
- Conducting agricultural workshops on mitigating climate change and the power of cooperatives.
- Fostering community engagement for developmental projects that address the root causes of stress.
By working together, we can help our community members navigate life’s challenges without jeopardizing their mental and physical wellness. The journey has just begun, and with the strength of our community and partners, we are committed to seeing it through.