Mental Health AdvocacyThe Link Between Mental Health and Drug and Substance Abuse : Platinum FM
We had a meaningful conversation on Platinum FM in Chinhoyi discussing the link between mental health and drug and substance abuse, an issue affecting many young people in our communities. Kudzai Zambezi ( Mental Health Advocate) opened the discussion by explaining what mental health is and exploring its connection to drug and substance abuse. The conversation highlighted how poor mental wellbeing can increase vulnerability to substance use, while substance abuse can also worsen mental health challenges. Leslie Mapfumo (Peer Educator) spoke about some of the signs and symptoms to look out for, and discussed the reasons why many people, especially young people, turn to drugs and substances as a way of coping with emotional pain, trauma, stress and other life challenges. Lewis Nyaruwata (Social Worker) , shared practical insights from his experience in the field, reflecting on real-life cases where untreated mental health challenges contributed to drug and substance abuse. His perspective reinforced the importance of early intervention, support and access to appropriate care. We concluded by discussing what young people can do to support one another, including creating safe spaces for conversations, encouraging help-seeking, reducing stigma and being active sources of support within our communities. A heartfelt thank you to Platinum FM for providing a platform to raise awareness on this important topic. Together, we can build healthier, more supportive communities.




























