Opinion / Columnist
Zimbabwe's hustle culture is affecting mental health
7 hrs ago | Views
Introduction
In Zimbabwe, the phrase "we hustle to survive" is more than just a saying - it is a way of life. From street vendors to corporate employees, students to entrepreneurs, almost everyone is engaged in a constant hustle. While resilience and hard work are essential, the pressure to always be productive comes at a cost - mental and emotional exhaustion.
What is hustle culture?
Hustle culture promotes the idea that success only comes through relentless work, long hours, and personal sacrifice.
In Zimbabwe, where economic challenges are a daily reality, people often take on multiple jobs, side businesses, or "projects" to ensure financial stability. Rest is seen as a luxury, and those who slow down are sometimes judged as lazy or unambitious.
Signs of Burnout: More than just fatigue
Many Zimbabweans are unknowingly experiencing burnout, a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. Common signs include:
Constant fatigue – Feeling tired even after sleeping.
Irritability and frustration – Small issues trigger anger or anxiety.
Loss of motivation – Work and daily tasks feel overwhelming.
Sleep problems – Either struggling to fall asleep or constantly feeling exhausted.
Frequent headaches, muscle pain, or digestive issues – Physical symptoms with no medical explanation.
Why do Zimbabweans ignore burnout?
Despite experiencing these symptoms, many Zimbabweans dismiss them, believing they just need to "push through." Several cultural and societal factors contribute to this:
The survival mindset: In a struggling economy, stopping to take care of mental health seems like a luxury people cannot afford.
Fear of being judged: Admitting to stress, exhaustion, or anxiety is often seen as a sign of weakness.
Lack of awareness: Many people do not recognise burnout as a real issue and assume their exhaustion is normal.
The Mental Health toll of Hustle Culture
The long-term effects of constant stress are severe. Studies show that chronic stress and burnout increase the risk of depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, and even heart disease. Emotionally, it can lead to detachment from loved ones, loss of interest in daily life, and in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts.
Breaking the cycle: What can be done?
While working hard is important, mental well-being should not be sacrificed in the process. Here are some simple ways to prevent burnout:
Prioritise rest: Taking breaks, getting enough sleep, and setting boundaries at work are essential.
Stay active: Exercise helps manage stress and improve mental clarity.
Talk about it: Seeking support from friends, family, or professionals can make a difference.
Recognise the warning signs: If stress is leading to persistent exhaustion or emotional detachment, it's time to take action.
Conclusion
Zimbabweans are some of the hardest-working people in the world, but hard work should not come at the expense of mental health.
It is time to change the narrative - success is not just about how much you hustle, but also about how well you take care of yourself. If you are feeling constantly exhausted, anxious, or emotionally drained, pause, recharge, and seek support.
After all, a rested mind is far more productive than a burned-out one.
Association of Healthcare Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFOZ) article written by Dr Farzana Naeem (PhD) Founder and Principal Clinical Psychologist at Gateway Mental Health Rehabilitation. For more queries, please feel free to contact Gateway Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre at 0788080001 or gatewaymhrehab@gmail.com
In Zimbabwe, the phrase "we hustle to survive" is more than just a saying - it is a way of life. From street vendors to corporate employees, students to entrepreneurs, almost everyone is engaged in a constant hustle. While resilience and hard work are essential, the pressure to always be productive comes at a cost - mental and emotional exhaustion.
What is hustle culture?
Hustle culture promotes the idea that success only comes through relentless work, long hours, and personal sacrifice.
In Zimbabwe, where economic challenges are a daily reality, people often take on multiple jobs, side businesses, or "projects" to ensure financial stability. Rest is seen as a luxury, and those who slow down are sometimes judged as lazy or unambitious.
Signs of Burnout: More than just fatigue
Many Zimbabweans are unknowingly experiencing burnout, a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. Common signs include:
Constant fatigue – Feeling tired even after sleeping.
Irritability and frustration – Small issues trigger anger or anxiety.
Loss of motivation – Work and daily tasks feel overwhelming.
Sleep problems – Either struggling to fall asleep or constantly feeling exhausted.
Frequent headaches, muscle pain, or digestive issues – Physical symptoms with no medical explanation.
Why do Zimbabweans ignore burnout?
Despite experiencing these symptoms, many Zimbabweans dismiss them, believing they just need to "push through." Several cultural and societal factors contribute to this:
The survival mindset: In a struggling economy, stopping to take care of mental health seems like a luxury people cannot afford.
Fear of being judged: Admitting to stress, exhaustion, or anxiety is often seen as a sign of weakness.
Lack of awareness: Many people do not recognise burnout as a real issue and assume their exhaustion is normal.
The Mental Health toll of Hustle Culture
The long-term effects of constant stress are severe. Studies show that chronic stress and burnout increase the risk of depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, and even heart disease. Emotionally, it can lead to detachment from loved ones, loss of interest in daily life, and in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts.
Breaking the cycle: What can be done?
While working hard is important, mental well-being should not be sacrificed in the process. Here are some simple ways to prevent burnout:
Prioritise rest: Taking breaks, getting enough sleep, and setting boundaries at work are essential.
Stay active: Exercise helps manage stress and improve mental clarity.
Talk about it: Seeking support from friends, family, or professionals can make a difference.
Recognise the warning signs: If stress is leading to persistent exhaustion or emotional detachment, it's time to take action.
Conclusion
Zimbabweans are some of the hardest-working people in the world, but hard work should not come at the expense of mental health.
It is time to change the narrative - success is not just about how much you hustle, but also about how well you take care of yourself. If you are feeling constantly exhausted, anxious, or emotionally drained, pause, recharge, and seek support.
After all, a rested mind is far more productive than a burned-out one.
Association of Healthcare Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFOZ) article written by Dr Farzana Naeem (PhD) Founder and Principal Clinical Psychologist at Gateway Mental Health Rehabilitation. For more queries, please feel free to contact Gateway Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre at 0788080001 or gatewaymhrehab@gmail.com
Source - the herald
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