At just 23 years old, Penomwaameni Natangwe is on a mission to reshape the mental health landscape in Namibia, particularly for young people. A clinical psychology student, author, and mental health advocate, Natangwe founded a mental health awareness campaign aimed at offering support, education, and resources to young people grappling with mental health issues. The initiative, launched last year, is rooted in her own personal journey with mental illness.

“I was diagnosed with bipolar type 2 disorder, and while the experience was difficult, it significantly broadened my understanding of mental health. It became clear to me that many young people, especially in Namibia, are not just battling mental health issues but are fighting against a stigma that prevents them from seeking help,” she said. 

Mental health issues among Namibian youth are increasingly being acknowledged, but as she points out, there is still a long road ahead in addressing them effectively. Although mental health awareness has grown over recent years, access to professional help remains a persistent challenge. The stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in rural communities, still discourages many from seeking support.

“Many young people struggle with the stigma rooted in cultural beliefs, fearing they will be labelled as weak if they seek help. Despite the existence of mental health resources such as public hospitals, private clinics and NGOs, these services are often out of reach due to financial constraints and a severe shortage of professionals, especially in rural areas,” she said. 

As a teenager, Natangwe authored a book on mental health at the age of 18, and she has continued to champion the cause ever since. Through her campaign and initiatives like ‘InnerVerse Academy’, a platform designed to foster mental wellness, she emphasises the importance of normalising conversations around mental well-being. “Too often, mental health is treated like a taboo subject. We need to create an environment where young people feel comfortable speaking up. Schools, workplaces and communities must create safe spaces for open dialogue, where mental health education is embedded within the curriculum,” she said. 

In Namibia, some support exists within schools and universities, but it’s not enough to meet the overwhelming demand. High student-to-counsellor ratios, coupled with limited resources, leave many feeling isolated and unheard. Natangwe believes that a more structured approach is essential, one that includes government intervention, community-based programmes and increased investment in mental health education.

“It’s not just about raising awareness. It’s about giving young people the tools and support they need to navigate mental health challenges,” Natangwe says, her tone resolute. “We need to equip educators, parents and even employers with the knowledge to recognise signs of distress and provide the right kind of support.”

In addition to her advocacy work, Natangwe is working on establishing a rehabilitation centre aimed at providing accessible mental healthcare for young people, particularly those in underserved areas. She also calls for increased financial support for young entrepreneurs and mental health initiatives focused on improving accessibility.

“We need to break the stigma by making mental health discussions as normal as talking about physical health,” she stresses. “This is not just about individual well-being; it’s about building a stronger, more compassionate support system for the youth of Namibia. It’s a collective effort where everyone has a part to play.”

Her vision is to ensure that mental health is treated with the same seriousness as physical health, where every young person has access to the help they need and where speaking about mental well-being is as commonplace as talking about any other aspect of health. 

She added that there are thousands of young Namibians silently struggling with their mental health, therefore, she wants to create a safe space for them.

-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na