"Bracing for Dry Times: The Impending Drought of 2024 in Zimbabwe"

Climate Trauma : "Lets put our hearts together Zimbabwe "

Written By Betty Charumbira – The Bundu Therapist

As Zimbabwe braces for another year ofdrought in 2024, it's clear that more than just crops are at stake. Beyond the dry fields and shrinking water sources lies a hidden struggle that often goes unnoticed: the toll on people's minds. While we hear a lot about how climate change affects the environment, we don't always talk about how it affects our mental health. In this article, we're diving into the stories of different segments of Zimbabwean groups facing the mental challenges brought on by the drought, a climate-related issue. Through personal narratives and reflections,we aim to shed light on the profound psychological effects of environmenta lcrises, urging for greater recognition and support for mental well-being amidst the changing climate landscape

The story is told:

I wonder what's weighing on the minds and bodies of agronomists like Va Chafa as they confront the looming drought.I can imagine what feelings are arising, being the custodians to break the news of the impending failure of the season to the nation. With little yield from the fields and a struggling economy, it's worth considering how he's managing his mental health in these tough times. Take a look at this for instance,Last year, Va Chafa took a substantial loan to invest in his tobacco business, expecting the usual returns from his crops. However a different story unfolds as the season progresses having experienced long dry spells characterised with no rains. An incoming drought with uncertain consequences, slowly creeps in. I wonder what Va Chafa is thinking about as he considers the conditions of the loan, knowing that there will be a need to meet household needs even when not much will be harvested.Is he still able to sit down for breakfast each morning, or does the weight of uncertainty make each bite bitter? With two children relying on his income for their education abroad. As he searches for a solution to this frustrating puzzle, I wonder if the mental health issues  go on holiday, do they?

Further more, I contemplate what's swirling in Chengetanayi's emotional world as the specter of drought looms. Chengetanayi, the eldest daughter, shoulders the responsibilities of her own family and cares for her mother in the village. Chengetanayi has to balance building her career with fulfilling responsibilities at her married home, all while taking care of her mother. Usually, Chengetanayi finds comfort in her mother's farming, which supplements her income by providing a reliable source of food from the village garden. However, this time, uncertainty looms as reports of insufficient rain threaten the usual supply of crops. I wonder what’s going on inside her mind right now as she processes the current circumstances? Does the gnawing concern over sustenance not weigh heavily on Chengetanayi’s mind? As she revises her budget, are waves of emotions not crashing against her?What is going on inside her body at this time.What is taking place in her mental field right now? ,I wonder.

As the drought inches closer, I wonder what players in business and captains of the industry are busy with.I can only imagine what is currently happening inside the minds of the national dispensers of electrical energy  Like ZESA. They understand all too well that the nation's electricity supply hinges heavily on hydroelectric power. With this knowledge, are their minds not buzzing with worries about the impending challenges. As they witness the strain on hydroelectric capacity, the weight of responsibility presses down on their shoulders. What is happening in their body as their Budgets are straining, as they divert funds towards alternative fuel sources, attempting to mitigate the impending disaster of widespread power cuts.What is really happening inside..hmm one wonders.

 I can't help but wonder about the thoughts racing through the mind of the average Zimbabwean, striving for every dollar that comes their way. Are we, as citizens, not entangled in a whirlwind of apprehension? Our reality seems to be caught in the throes of an unfoldincrisis, intersecting with an already shaky and uncertain economy. Is this situation not magnifying our fears regarding the affordability of essential goods like food and electricity, both directly affected by the scarcity of agricultural produce, induced by climate change. The looming threat of drought casts a somber shadow over our collective consciousness, stirring up feelings of unease and anxiety. It's as if we're standing on the precipice of uncertainty, grappling with the unknowns of what tomorrow holds. The fear of scarcity looms large, triggering primal instincts to either freeze in fear or flee from the impending challenges.What is happening inside our minds at this point,How are our bodies responding to this mental turmoil? This heightened state of alertness takes a toll on our well-being, manifesting in unexplained mental health struggles that seem insurmountable, does it not?one

wonders.

In times as tough as these, where resilience is our greatest asset, let us not overlook the importance of showing each other grace. We may never fully understand the burdens someone else carries. From the adjustments to our daily lives to the uncertainties about the future, these challenges can throw anyone off balance and lead to serious mental health struggles. So, as we navigate through this difficult phase together, let's not forget the power of kindness and empathy. Each of us is seeking a way to make it through, and in doing so, let's hold each other's hands and extend a helping hand whenever possible. Grace and compassion can take us a long way through this challenging year together.

Ase'