Penxa-Matholeni Nobuntu
Department of Practical Theology and Missiology, Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2025 May 16;22(5):786. doi: 10.3390/ijerph22050786.
The stigma and invisibility surrounding mental health often lead to alienation and reinforce societal misconceptions. This paper examines how the concept of inxeba elingaphakathi (the invisible wound) in isiXhosa encapsulates the emotional and psychological pain frequently overlooked in mental health discussions, particularly among Black South African women. Employing an Indigenous storytelling methodology, the study explores how social community caregiving can illuminate these hidden wounds and challenge prevailing stigma. By analyzing the societal factors shaping mental health perceptions, this research advocates for a culturally grounded approach to healing and belonging.
围绕心理健康的污名化和无形性往往导致疏离，并强化社会误解。本文探讨科萨语中的“inxeba elingaphakathi”（无形的创伤）概念如何概括在心理健康讨论中经常被忽视的情感和心理痛苦，特别是在南非黑人女性中。该研究采用本土叙事方法，探索社会社区护理如何能够揭示这些隐藏的创伤并挑战普遍存在的污名。通过分析塑造心理健康观念的社会因素，本研究倡导一种基于文化的治愈和归属感方法。
