Mental Balance is a newsletter that came as a result of the quest to spread awareness of mental

health, which is a critical aspect of human life. As the name suggests, it is a constant check on the
state of your mental state and how you will be acting in your day-to-day activities. This idea came as a
result of research which was conducted by a Counseling Psychology student at Great Zimbabwe
University titled, “Levels of Mental Health Literacy amongst Students: Findings from a University in
Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe.” This research aims to measure the level of people’s knowledge on
mental health disorders, preventative ways, help-seeking behavior, and attitude through the use of
the Mental Health Literacy Assessment Inventory (MHLAI). The MHLAI was a list of twenty-seven
questions which were carefully crafted with the help of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Health Disorder, Fifth Edition (DSM-V).

Findings of this study showed that 50.51% of students are mental health literate. The figures show a
knowledge gap, hence there is need to educate and spread the awareness of mental health disorders,
mental illness, preventive ways, positive help seeking behavior and encouragement of the positive
attitude.   This platform was formed as part of a move to fill the gap.

We’re dedicated to sharing stories, experiences and support available for the whole society and our
values are at the core of everything we write and do. If we’re not passionate about our work, neither
will our readers be.