Mental Health support in Arusha, Tanzania

Mental health is still a developing and understated topic across Tanzania and many people are unfamiliar with common illnesses and issues such as depression, anxiety and psychosis. Because of this lack of awareness, there is an enormous stigma attached to mental illness with many preferring to either ignore the issue or turn to religious figures for treatment rather than seek professional intervention. Additionally, there is no free medical care in Tanzania, meaning that a lot of those in need of medication or rehabilitation struggle to afford it.

We are currently volunteering in Arusha, Tanzania at Siha Angavu Mental Health Care and Rehabilitation Clinic, where we work with Dr Pascal, a local psychiatrist (one of less than 10 in the city) and Malick, a local psychologist. They both work extremely hard and are incredible at what they do with the little resources that they have, despite the majority of our clients being unable to pay for treatment.

We would like to raise money to help contribute to this issue. Money raised will go toward:

-Medication for those struggling to afford it such as anti-psychotic, anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications

-Awareness campaigns such as posters, brochures and equipment for training events at local schools and colleges which can educate about mental illnesses such as addiction, depression and schizophrenia

-Transportation to clients homes for home visits when they are unable to make it to the clinic due to mental illness or lack of funds to transport themselves.

-Supplies such as sanitary and hygiene products and amenities to improve the comfort of clients living in local ‘sober homes’, therefore increasing their chances at successful rehabilitation

-Funding for the clinic, to make it a more comfortable environment for therapy sessions, including a small percentage for Dr Pascal and Malik, so they can continue the amazing work that they do

To give an example of how your donation might help, we have recently paid for medication for a schizophrenic client who could not afford it. For a years worth of anti-psychotic, anti-depressant and sedative medication it cost 205,000 Tanzanian Shillings, which is equivalent to roughly £60. This means that even £5 can pay for an entire months worth of medication for someone in a similar situation. Anything that you are able to give will go a long way and will contribute to increasing the quality of mental health care in Tanzania.

Asante sana