The Hephzibah Mental Health and Wellness Centre hosted Sunflower Day in Windhoek, calling on communities to pledge against substance abuse and support youth mental health.
Windhoek Deputy Mayor Nangula Amutenya said mental health is a pillar of human dignity and sustainable development.
"Through the years of dedication to services, the centre has become a beacon of kindness and support for many individuals and families facing life's most difficult challenges. The symbolism of the sunflower is particularly fitting. It reminds us of resilience, renewal and the constant parachute of light."
Social Worker Adam Nzunzi from the Ministry of Health and Social Services explains the link between substance abuse and mental health challenges.
"Individuals experiencing unmanaged mental distress due to social challenges such as economic stress, relationship problems or trauma often tend to alcohol and drugs as a way out of their psychological and emotional distress, using alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms."
Founder of Hephzibah Mental Health and Wellness Centre Cynthia Martin shared her personal experience.
"You know that there is a syndrome being called popcorn lungs. It means while you were smoking, there was vaping. You will walk; you will fall down."
Men's Mental Health Advocate Elago Nantana said young people must learn to say no.
"It's important for us to respect one another. And it's important for us to be that representative of God on earth. Let us love one another like we love ourselves. Let us inspire each other."
The Head of the School of Social Work at Welwitchia University, Portia Muparadzi, advised social workers to offer support instead of being judgemental.
"As social workers, I believe that people experiencing substance use challenges need support, understanding and access to professional health. Rather than stagnating, discriminating and judging them, we need to find them professional health."
City Police Sergeant Lawrentius Jacobs warned that vaping leads to stronger drugs.
"You are still supposed to be developing, but yet through doing this, you are diminishing your own intellectual development as well as your emotional development as well as development."
Clinical psychologist Dr Eunice Gonzo said it takes resilience for one to walk away from the substance.
"The problem with mental health problems is they don't go back. They are like a pregnancy. No matter where you are in your hiding, it will only grow. Eventually you become an addict."
Learners and community members signed pledges to promote drug-free spaces and support healthy choices.