Malawi: Lilongwe based author, Herbert Katanda will launch a new book on Saturday, June 29. The book is called “The Audacity of Depression” and will be published under Grand Pen Africa Publication.
The launch event for the book will be hosted at Lark Cafe Area 43 in Lilongwe. Notably, the author is also a well-known TV personality will on June 29.
The Book launch will be aired live on Luntha Television 6 pm to 9pm. The launch event will include a panel discussion on mental health.
The panel will consist of experts in mental health, legal, business persons and those from faith community. The people from the faith communities will be represented by Apostle, Clifford Kawinga of Salvation for All Ministries.
Herbert katanda started his writing career in 2010. The Audacity of Depression was his second book after another titled Belly Button which was written and published in 2018.
The New Book has been financially sponsored by Mzeru za Abambo Group of Companies and Sang Farms. It consists of various short stories and poems which are tackling issues of mental health.
“The month of June is considered to be Mens Mental Health Awareness month. We have organized a book launch dinner for The Audacity of Depression anthology, a book that tackles mental health issues to raise awareness on how people should heal from stress and depression,” he said.
Event Manager, Robert Edward from Zoom Media and Events, who are organizers of the Book launch, hailed Katanda. He believes that the book has the possibilities to deal with suicide in the country.
He said the event extended far beyond Book launch as there would be a panel discussion involving individuals from different sectors to discuss depression and mental health issues.
“You might be aware that the country recorded more than 250 suicide cases last year and according to Police reports, most of the reasons for the suicide were relationship break ups and financial issues.
We saw it as an opportunity being a mental awareness month, that the country should engage a panel discussion on how people should manage stress and depression,” Edward added.
He pointed out that statistical reports indicate a higher number of men committing suicide than women.
Edward said that profits generated from the book sale would help in campaign to raise awareness on mental health and depression through a mental health radio programme.