Reflections on mental health, Ngozi, and the Dandemutande approach in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Background: Western mental health models prioritise biomedical explanations and interventions at the expense of indigenous non-Western belief systems that offer culturally relevant understandings of mental health. In Zimbabwe, Ngozi [reconciliatory and restorative spirits] play a significant role in shaping mental health experiences and perceptions. This article introduces the Dandemutande [Spiderweb] approach, an innovative framework that responds to the limitations of solely relying on the Western-based mental health conceptualisation by considering a multidimensional approach that acknowledges and respects cultural and spiritual dimensions alongside Western-based medical interventions to address mental health challenges in non-Western contexts.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the relationship between mental health challenges and Ngozi, and how Ngozi influences the understanding and management of mental health challenges in Zimbabwe.

Method: A multi-layered, autoethnographic methodology integrating personal reflections, narrative accounts, the literature, and media analysis was employed to investigate how Ngozi is believed to affect mental health outcomes.

Results: This article identifies Ngozi as a significant and influential factor within Zimbabwean cultures, which contributes to mental health issues.

Conclusion: The findings introduce the Dandemutande approach to mental healthcare, which integrates cultural and spiritual dimensions with Western-based medical interventions to address mental health challenges.

Contribution: This article highlights the importance of inclusive mental health practices that incorporate indigenous belief systems, for example, reparation and healing initiatives such as compensation. The proposed framework has the potential to positively contribute to mental healthcare in other non-Western contexts where mental health has cultural and spiritual dimensions.