Mental health experts have raised alarm over rising cases of mental health problems among Malawian youth, warning that stress, unemployment and easy access to alcohol and cannabis are fuelling a largely silent crisis.
Dr Sandra Jumbe, senior lecturer in mental health at Millennium University in Blantyre, says substance abuse among students is a serious, ongoing problem that is not talked about enough.
“Some studies from secondary schools in Malawi have found over half of students reporting having used a substance, with alcohol and cannabis—known locally as chamba—being the most common. This indicates it is not just experimentation,” she said.
Dr Jumbe said analysis of mental health services data from St John of God hospital sites between 2010 and 2020 showed a steady rise in young people presenting for substance use treatment.
“What makes the issue particularly concerning is that Malawi does not yet run national school surveys like the WHO Global School-Based Student Health Survey in the same way other countries do, to track the issue properly,” she stressed.
As a result, she said, the problem is currently seen only through small local studies rather than a clear national picture, making it difficult to plan prevention and treatment services effectively.
“What is clear is that alcohol—especially cheap spirits—and chamba start early, are tied to family and social stress, and very few young people who need help are actually getting it,” Dr Jumbe added.
What’s pushing young people to the edge?
Discussions at the recent Millennium University Youth Festival highlighted multiple pressures facing Malawi’s youth.
Education and future uncertainty
Examinations, performance anxiety and an uncertain job market create persistent stress for students and recent graduates.
“I studied hard but still can’t find employment,” said 26-year-old Chikondi Phiri from Lilongwe. “My parents sacrificed so much, and I feel like I’ve failed them.”
Economic pressure and peer influence
With unemployment disproportionately affecting young people, financial strain compounds existing stress. Social media also amplifies feelings of inadequacy through constant comparison and fear of missing out.
Nelson Baziwelo Zakeyu, executive director of Drug Fight Malawi, says the pattern is distressingly predictable:
- Stress — Problems and pressure mount.
- Escape — Alcohol or drugs provide temporary relief.
- Temporary relief — The underlying problem remains unresolved.
- More problems — Health, relationships, academics and finances deteriorate.
- More stress — The destructive cycle continues.
“Alcohol and drugs may numb feelings temporarily, but they do not solve the source of stress,” Zakeyu said. “This is a trap that claims too many young lives.”
Recognising when stress becomes dangerous
Mental health professionals warn that stress crosses into dangerous territory when young people experience:
· Overwhelming worry or constant feelings of being overwhelmed
· Irritability and emotional outbursts
· Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
· Withdrawal from people and previously enjoyed activities
· Loss of motivation or enjoyment
· Risk-taking behaviour or seeking quick escapes
“Early support is crucial. You do not have to wait until a situation becomes a crisis,” Zakeyu said.
Breaking the cycle: healthy coping strategies
Drug Fight Malawi advocates practical alternatives to substance use:
· Connect: Speak with someone you trust about your struggles.
· Move: Exercise, walk or participate in sports.
· Rest: Prioritise sleep and allow the mind time to recover.
· Breathe: Practise relaxation and deep breathing techniques.
· Plan: Break overwhelming problems into manageable steps.
· Stay connected: Maintain relationships with supportive people.
“Healthy coping builds resilience — the ability to face difficulties without harming yourself,” Zakeyu emphasised.
Grassroots responses
Tipilire Mthengomwacha, founder of the youth organisation Angersmile, said the group is now conducting awareness campaigns in schools and communities to counter the problem.
“At Kalinyeke Primary and Secondary Schools in Dedza, over 20 learners have been trained in Angersmile Sport. In Mitundu, Lilongwe, we have trained over 100 elders in partnership with Hills of Joy Ministries,” Mthengomwacha said. “Healing a generation means starting with those who raise the next generation.”
Chikondi Useni, executive director and founder of Depression Survivals Malawi, called for greater mental health awareness so young people understand that mental health challenges can affect anyone and should be treated like physical illnesses.
“As a depression survivor, I have seen that many of the challenges I faced were because I was unable to be open to people who I felt would judge me if I told them about my problems,” Useni said. “I advise young people to be open when they face problems that are causing them stress, and not to be ashamed, because there are many people facing similar problems.”
Useni also cautioned against gambling as a stress escape.
“I would also like young people to know that there are many ways to earn money other than gambling. Many young people are destroying their mental health because of gambling. Instead of relieving stress when they lose, they resort to drinking alcohol and taking drugs, which are destroying their mental health,” he said.
Useni urged the government to pay serious attention to mental health, saying it is affecting many people and needs urgent action.
The global picture
The crisis among Malawian youth reflects a wider global challenge. According to the World Health Organization, one in seven adolescents aged 10–19 years lives with a mental disorder, accounting for about 13 per cent of the global burden of disease in this age group. The majority of these conditions remain unrecognised and untreated. Globally, only 56 per cent of countries have a dedicated child and adolescent mental health policy or plan, and fewer than half provide community- or school-based services. Mental health spending accounts for just two per cent of the global health budget — unchanged since 2017.
These figures demonstrate that adolescent mental health is an urgent global public health challenge, and local experts say Malawi is no exception.
