Thelma Maina Leads the Charge in Youth Mental H...

Thelma Maina Leads the Charge in Youth Mental Health Therapy

Rudo Mandiro- Zim Now Writer

In a heartfelt mission to combat the escalating issues of drug abuse and mental health struggles among young people, a young woman from Harare has emerged as a beacon of hope, providing crucial support and therapy to those in need.

With an unwavering dedication to the well-being of children and young adults, Thelma Maina, a Mental Health Crisis Practitioner, is driving positive change in her community. Through her work, she is empowering the youth to heal and develop stronger mental resilience.

"I have a strong hold for working with the young generation because that is our future," Maina expressed passionately. "This has encouraged me to start a youth organization named Root Back."

With three years of experience in mental health practice, she has made it her mission to address the root causes of substance abuse and mental health challenges affecting young people today. She believes it is vital to explore and address the underlying factors contributing to these issues.

"A lot is happening to the youths, and we have not been taking note and giving good consideration, but the results are now affecting us," she explained. "This has been a big encouragement for me to study mental health issues, life coaching, and diplomacy."

Her commitment to the field is not only rooted in professional experience but also in personal tragedy. Grief has been a powerful motivator for Maina, pushing her to reflect on the untold stories of those dealing with loss and mental health struggles. It also prompted her to consider the support systems in place for those undergoing similar experiences.

"Grief has been a personal experience that made me realize and wonder how many people have gone through the same, and what help and support are they getting to heal and move on," she shared.

What began as a personal quest to help others navigate grief evolved into a broader mission to restore cultural values among the youth. Maina found that issues like substance abuse and mental health challenges were significantly contributing to the erosion of respect, culture, and values within society.

"My motivation emanated from wanting to restore our cultural values back in our children, and then I got to discover that there are other underlying factors causing the loss of culture, value, and respect," she revealed.

"Substance abuse and mental health then became the major attributes, and I made it a mission to be a factor of change and positive impact."

As a practitioner, Maina is committed to providing compassionate and effective care to her clients, finding great fulfillment in seeing them grow and overcome the obstacles they face.

"Witnessing clients overcome challenges and achieve their goals is incredibly fulfilling, and it drives me to continue providing compassionate and effective care," she said.

In addition to her direct work with clients, Maina has built a supportive network. She receives guidance and mentorship from experienced social workers in the field, who ensure that the clients receive the highest level of care possible. Her husband also plays a key role in her journey, challenging her to further her personal development and pursue more education in the field.

To ensure that she stays at the forefront of mental health therapy, Maina regularly participates in workshops, conferences, and webinars. This ongoing education allows her to expand her skills and knowledge, ensuring that her efforts to help young people heal, grow, and thrive remain effective and relevant.

Through her tireless efforts, Maina is not only providing a lifeline to young people but is also leading a movement that prioritizes the mental health and well-being of future generations.