Journalist and author Herbert Katanda intends to launch a book titled The Audacity of Depression on Saturday in Lilongwe as part of his contributions to the commemoration of Men’s Mental Health Month, which is observed annually in June.
Katanda says the book, designed and published by GrandPen, features short stories and poems about issues that lead people into depression and describes it as a bandage for injuries caused by depression.
“The idea emanated from the experiences around me and the happenings to people around me. I was trying to find a way to expound on the topic with intense information from survivors,” he said.
One of the activities during the launch will be a panel discussion on mental health awareness, focusing on establishing cost-free mental health departments in all hospitals across
the country.
Participants will include Health Ministry officials, a mental health expert, and a member of the clergy, among others.
Previously, the author showered praise on First Lady Monica Chakwera in his poem titled “Monica Chakwera” as a tribute to her philanthropic endeavours towards girl-child education and women’s empowerment.
