There is no doubt that mental health significance is equivalent to all other health aspects of human health. In fact, it is even an understatement to say that mental health is the core of all other health aspects of human health. The function of every human cell absolutely depends on the mental state of its host. Amongst all the talks about mental health and the major factors which play a role in addressing it, the cultural part of it seems to be given little attention. With the advent of globalism and the creation of a world of collectivism and collaboration, many nations’ cultures and fundamental values have ended up on the sacrificial table of global homogeneity. There is no doubt that the adoption of ways of life which contrast with the natural way of a person’s life will have a great impact on their psychological well-being. Not only are there greater environmental risks, but dietary ones too. It is a no-brainer that nature knows better, and it has placed all people in places that are in line with their cellular, molecular and spiritual structure. Therefore, taking people from such a natural habitat is a violation of their natural laws of living, and therefore must bear the wrath worth of such a transgression. For people to abandon their natural habitat and adopt unnatural urban life must bring forth nothing short of mental and spiritual misalignment. As much as we have the will to address the issue of mental health, it will be impossible if we continue to be oblivious to the obvious truth. We must, first, admit that a mentally healthy society cannot be achieved through conferences, training and awareness campaigns alone. These may, of course, make a difference, but only to a certain extent, until we address the cultural aspects of it. Only a transformational cultural adjustment may set a foundation for a lasting solution. From an uncommon African point of view, the impact of Western culture on the mental wellness of the continent’s people needs to be addressed. For a person to naively give up or reduce their normal ways of life to no significance and inferiority is a great mistake. To do this and yet wonder why a person with wealth underneath their feet must live in distress, is perplexing. Even worse, it is sad that an African must wonder why they must suffer great distress when they do not even know what is on their plate and its impact on their cellular, molecular and spiritual structure. Until he or she knows every ingredient on the label of his meal and beverage, then experiencing mental health shall remain a pipe dream.

Lastly, it must be clear that any attempt to address the mental health conundrum of a child who has adopted a culture which is not in line with his spirit, is destined to fail. No number of resources will achieve a lasting solution to his mental health problems until he becomes critical to every piece and drop of substance ingested to satisfy his or her spiritual and molecular existence. Until he or she understands that his departure from the forests, vegetation, herbs and leaves were put in his reach for optimum health, then experiencing lasting mental and spiritual peace will only be a wish. Until then, only another glass of slow poison or a pill may be a companion on a long and slow journey to mental deterioration.

*Uncommon Sense is published bi-weekly in the New Era with contributions from Karlos Naimwhaka. YouTube channel: Karlos Lokos

– karlsimbumusic@gmail.com