Mental health has been put in the spotlight in the past few years, especially by public figures who have been open with their mental health issues.
Akeso psychiatric hospitals said mental health recovery was a journey and not a destination, and when the problem is focused on the whole person and not just the symptoms, recovery is possible.
“It’s necessary to have a good support system throughout the recovery journey,” said Marna Acker, an occupational therapist at Akeso Nelspruit.
“Surround yourself with supportive people that you trust and are comfortable with, and avoid isolating yourself.”
There are growing awareness campaigns raised by public figures locally and internationally for mental health. One such is the royal family in Britain, with Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge Catherine Middleton and Prince Harry who started the Heads Together campaign. It is a mental health initiative that tackles the stigma surrounding it by having discussions and programmes that help people seek help.
In 2018, local hip hop star HHP, real name Jabulani Tsambo took his own life after a long battle with depression. His shock death led to the growing awareness of depression and people taking the issue seriously.
“Do not expect people to understand what you are going through – they need to have it explained,” added Acker.
“Give them time to ask questions and process the information. It’s important to listen to those who support you when they observe changes in your mood or behaviour and point these out to you. Give them contact details for your therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist in case professional help is needed.”
Some tips towards your journey of recovery:
- Make small goals: Have daily goals and then identify weekly goals and build on this. If you can achieve small goals, it makes achieving the bigger ones easier, and the feeling of achievement will help with your confidence.
- Continue with therapy: Attend therapy regularly, or start attending support groups. These professionals will help you with everyday struggles and will enable you to see things objectively.
- Take your medication: Do not change or change your prescribed medication without consulting your psychiatrist. Make sure you know who to contact if anything happens regarding your medication, what the side effects are or what to do when your prescriptions run out, including each function of each medication.
- Self-care: Eat healthy, exercise, sleep for at least eight hours and spend time with your family and friends.
Acker added, “When things improve, it is because you are making changes, if you are getting better, do not stop the things you are doing, as you run the risk of repeating the past. Therapy and applying coping techniques in your life will help you make the changes needed to prevent relapses.”
For more details contact Akeso psychiatric hospitals on 0861 435 787.
Related articles:
https://northeasterntribune.co.za/222676/dont-suffer-alone-help-available-mental-health-joburg/
https://northeasterntribune.co.za/208729/mental-health-issues-gain-momentum/
