When It’s Not a Curse: Recognizing and Healing Mental Health in Faith-Based African Communities

Book Description In many African communities, mental health is still misunderstood — often spoken of in whispers, wrapped in shame, or explained away as a curse, punishment, or spiritual attack. When It’s Not a Curse breaks that silence with compassion, truth, and cultural understanding. Drawing from her experiences as a healthcare worker and mental health counselor in Ethiopia and beyond, Zuriashwork Mega takes readers on a deeply personal and transformative journey toward awareness and healing. Through real stories, reflection, and gentle guidance, she reveals how emotional pain often hides behind faith, culture, and silence — and how true healing requires the courage to see mental health as part of being human. Blending psychology, spirituality, and African wisdom, this book helps readers: Recognize the hidden signs of trauma, stress, and emotional suffering Understand how faith and therapy can work together in harmony Break generational patterns of silence and shame Cultivate compassion, self-awareness, and emotional resilience Build families and communities rooted in understanding and healing With grace and cultural sensitivity, When It’s Not a Curse invites readers to see mental health not as a weakness or sin — but as a sacred part of life that deserves care, dignity, and love. This is more than a book. It’s a movement toward healing hearts, homes, and communities across Africa and the diaspora. View Less