Local hospital observes Mental Health Awareness Month

As October marks Mental Health Awareness Month, Bertha Gxowa Hospital promoted mental health awareness on October 10.

Through an enlightening event, the hospital aimed to educate patients and staff about the importance of mental health.

Lebohang Khumalo, the CEO of Bertha Gxowa Hospital, encouraged the audience to have open discussions about mental health, highlighting that mental illness affects individuals to varying degrees, even manifesting in small behaviours like nail-biting due to stress.

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Khumalo outlined various strategies for safeguarding mental health, such as avoiding stress and removing oneself from distressing situations to improve overall well-being.

“We need to prioritise the importance of self-care practices like adequate sleep, practising mindfulness, staying focused on personal growth, engaging in physical activity, and refraining from substance abuse,” said Khumalo.

“Mental health is a societal problem, and it is the responsibility of everyone to take part in creating a supportive environment.

I encourage individuals to connect with social support networks, engage in open conversations without fear, and actively challenge the stigma around mental health.

“We must foster positive conversations and consistently address mental health problems and contribute to creating a healthier and more supportive society,” said Khumalo.

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Lizette Smook, clinical support and therapeutic service manager emphasised the importance of viewing mental health conditions as any other chronic condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

“Understanding these illnesses enables us to support individuals and their families. Social workers play a crucial role in educating patients, families, and the community about mental health.

“By helping families comprehend the illness, medication management, and the needs of the patient, social workers can effectively manage mental health care within communities,” said Smook.

Dr Kagisho Maaroganye, head of psychiatry at Ekurhuleni Health District, highlighted the significance of considering the factors that contribute to mental health and illness.

“This understanding enables individuals to assess whether their life circumstances and home environment increase their vulnerability to developing a mental illness.

“For example, a combination of genetic predisposition, childhood trauma, and adverse living conditions resulting from poverty can potentially predispose someone to major depression.”

Maaroganye stressed the importance of focusing on a patient’s personal story rather than their ethnicity or skin colour when evaluating their exposure to depression.

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“A mental health care unit patient at Bertha Gxowa Hospital, who has been managing a mental health condition for some time, shared his personal journey.

He expressed that with the help of therapy and medication, he could improve his quality of life and cultivate meaningful relationships,“ said Mampe Marapyane, Bertha Gxowa Hospital communications officer.

“He highlighted the crucial role of adhering to a medication schedule and refraining from alcohol.

“With the support of his parents and community, he now leads a peaceful life and actively positively contributes to his community,” said Mampye.