Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Mental Health in Zimbabwe

Description

This book explores the vital role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in shaping mental health understanding and care in Zimbabwe. Drawing on qualitative research, including interviews with mental health professionals and caregivers, it reveals how cultural beliefs strongly influence perceptions of mental illness. Many communities interpret mental health conditions through spiritual lenses, attributing them to factors such as witchcraft, ancestral influence, or divine punishment. As a result, families often turn first to traditional healers and religious institutions before seeking formal medical treatment. While IKS provides culturally meaningful frameworks of support, the book also addresses its limitations, including stigma, delayed treatment, and tensions with biomedical approaches. It argues that mental health care cannot be effective without acknowledging these deeply rooted belief systems. Advocating for a holistic approach, the book calls for greater integration between indigenous and modern practices, increased awareness, and further research to improve mental health outcomes in Zimbabwe.