Finet Malambo, a 34-year-old mother of Kakanka shares how she has learnt to overcome suicide ideation. She says, the introduction to mental health sessions have helped her from strong urges taking her own life and now she has developed a positive outlook of life committed to care of her children and family.

“I started having Suicidal thoughts when my husband started to emotionally abusing me coupled by indulging in extra marital affairs. I felt betrayed and I was going through a very scary situation; you know when you’re going through such traumatic thoughts, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. I needed support from my husband, he was not there when I needed him the most. Slowly depression kicked in.

After the incident, Finet went to her usual post-natal appointment where she came across a REPSSI infographic poster on MHPSS for caregivers in ECD and when she read the poster, she got interested in taking part in the programme. She asked around at the clinic for the person who can assist her in getting more information about the programme and she was directed to the CBV who is also a volunteer at the clinic.

“REPSSI programmes, I have taught, me how to overcome stress challenges, positive outlook of my future and also to recognize and accept emotions. I will now stop living denial because help can be found.” she concludes.