Social worker educates about mental health

Geluksdal- Social worker and mental health advocate Priscilla Mabena (27) in collaboration with two local NPOs organised a mental health awareness dialogue on September 28 at the Geluksdal Artisan Training Centre.

“The purpose of the event was to promote individual mental health care, during this Suicide Prevention Month towards Mental Health Awareness Month in October.

“It was a dialogue aimed at promoting and urging community members to normalise mental health conversations among each other, encourage active mental health care and do away with the stigma attached to mental health in our local townships.

“Because too often our black and coloured brothers and sisters die in silence because of the fear of being stigmatised for their mental health challenges,” said Mabena.

Mabena best describes herself as an individual who is very passionate about mental health and mental health advocacy, especially in previously disadvantaged groups.

“As previously disadvantaged communities, mental health care became a foreign concept and access to it is even a bigger challenge,” she said.

She added that it is important that we become mindful of our mental health and of the people around us.

“Mental health promotes overall individual well-being and functioning since the brain serves as the driving force in our daily functioning, therefore lack of mental health results in dysfunction,” she added.

She mentioned that among her guests she invited Boitumelo Boikhutso who is a mental health counselor to share some of her knowledge and finds with the public.

“Boikhutso spoke about common signs and symptoms of mental illness challenges that individuals must be on the lookout for such isolation, change in eating habits, constant headaches, suicidal ideation and suicidal intentions.

“She elaborated about the importance of establishing a good relationship with oneself and being intentional about your mental health by taking note of your habits, and reaching out for help,” Mabena said.

Mabena cited that the dialogue further touched on topics such as depression, anxiety disorders and the risk of self-harm and suicide, citing that it allowed the guests to interact with the speakers.

She explained that people need to stop shying away from therapy and taking medication, and must establish their social support systems as safety net.

“The South African Depression and Anxiety Group sponsored the event with information packs for community members to know of their free telephonic counselling services and 24-hour suicide helpline,” added Mabena.

She concluded by expressing her gratitude towards the Women and Girls Change Makers and Harambee Social Justice NPOs for collaborating with her in making the community dialogue a success.

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