Inadequate knowledge and lack of information on mental health issues has been singled out as some of the factors contributing to the increased cases of mental illness in the country.

The observation was made during roadshow awareness campaigns that Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO) conducted in Nkhotakota, Lilongwe and Zomba districts.

Mental Health Clinical Officer at Nkhotakota district hospital, Catherine Msuku said people in the district do not have enough information on Mental health issues hence the increase in number of people suffering from mental illness

“There is need for enough information to raise awareness on issues of mental health as people are so ignorant of the illness in communities,” she said.

Youth Net and Counselling- YONECO is implementing a three-year project dubbed Passing and Supporting: Building Tactics for Community Mental Health Provision and Care with financial support from Comic Relief.

The project targets vulnerable groups including People Living with HIV and AIDS, youth, prisoners, street children and victims of gender based violence who are at risk for mental illnesses due to their deplorable living conditions, stuffed out rights and increased anxiety.