Delving Into Mental Health with Hector Mawonga

A REFRESHINGLY honest and touching account of living with bipolar depression, ‘A Brainy Affair’ by Hector Mawonga goes a long way in tackling the stigma surrounding mental health conditions, especially among Namibian men.

“I realised that many people have gone, and some are still going through similar experiences as me. I want to show that mental illness is not the end of the world,” says Mawonga.

“It is something to be dealt with and not to be shy about. It is largely unseen and yet so many people are struggling with it.”

At just 79-pages, ‘A Brainy Affair’ is engaging and heartfelt.

It details the author’s experiences as a shy and introverted person who has his first ‘episode’ at the age of 22. Thereafter he struggles to get the correct diagnosis and must learn through trial and error how best to manage his condition.

The mental breakdown sees him hardly sleeping for days and experiencing racing thoughts. Unable to concentrate on anything, with shortness of breath and panicking, Mawonga eventually reaches out to a friend and goes to the hospital where he is not taken very seriously at first.

Subsequent hospital visits ensue, after more violent episodes, which Mawonga describes as “acting out”. These uncharacteristic episodes see him breaking his mother’s TV set, the window panes of the house and an inside door. In the book Mawonga expresses his deep-felt gratitude to God, that his violence was never meted out against any person.

The freelance sport journalist describes himself as a “sport freak”, who is lucky enough to be paid to write, report and talk about his passion. The beginnings of his debut were etched in the form of journals, which Mawonga has kept over the years.

The transition to writing a book was natural progression, says Mawonga of ‘A Brainy Affair’ – his first published book.

“Being a man, most people find it weird that we can also keep diaries but I found that it helped me cope with many issues. Writing is very cathartic to me.”

His mother’s death brings on an identity crisis, as Mawonga who feels like he is not Herero enough for Namibia, nor Xhosa enough for Upington struggles to find his place in the gaping chasm which remains after her passing.

Suicide attempts follow as Mawonga battles feelings of loneliness and isolation. Eventually he begins self-medicating his shyness and depression with alcohol, which becomes another challenge to live with and manage.

Mawonga believes it is important to be vulnerable and open about the reality of living with depression in his quest to help others face similar challenges, despite cultural taboos surrounding mental health.

He believes the silence surrounding mental health issues is damaging and that it requires courage to confront and speak out about one’s experiences.

“To that one person going through something similar, I hope you see that you are not alone, nor should you be shy about talking about it.”

Mawonga worked with Review Namibia (Truth Tone Publishing) to have the book available on Amazon, although he would have loved to opt for one of their more upmarket packages which includes hard copies.

He recently finished writing his second book which is about the lessons he has learnt from his love for sport.

“At face value, someone may think it is a sports book but since I believe sports is often an imitation of life and vice versa, this is another take on something that is universal and very beneficial.”

Look out for this in coming months, says Mawonga who encourages those with a story to tell to share their experiences through writing.

“Whether it sounds silly or you can’t spell, just write! There are many untold stories in this world.

Who knows, yours may be exactly what someone needs to hear.”

‘A Brainy Affair’ is available on Amazon. Email sportsmania15@gmail.com for more information.

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