Find help for mental health issues at Ekurhuleni clinics

World Mental Health Day is marked on October 10 and it is important for people to realise they can get help for mental issues.

Acting manager of acute and chronic care at the City of Ekurhuleni’s Health and Social Development Department Patrick Magodzho said World Mental Health Day comes at a time when people’s daily lives have changed considerably, making it paramount for residents not to turn a blind eye to mental health issues.

“Untreated mental illness can lead to more serious chronic health problems that may cause instability in one’s daily life.

“Stigma and shame is often what keeps people from getting help and this is what this month seeks to do, break the stigma,” said Magodzho.

He urged those suffering in silence to seek help as Ekurhuleni’s health-care facilities offer free mental health care.

Metro spokesperson Themba Gadebe explained upon arrival, residents will follow the normal clinic visit process where a file will be opened for them to see a nurse.

It is during the consultation with the professional nurse where the patient will be assessed for any signs of mental illness.

The outcome of the consultation will determine the kind of assistance the patient requires.

“All clinics in the metro render mental health services at a primary level, which entails the assessment that will be followed by a referral to the secondary mental health service.

“At the secondary mental health service level, a specialist or mental health expert, such as psychiatrist, psychologist, occupational therapist or social worker, will assist the patient,” he said

Residents who need help can visit the following clinics in Benoni that render primary mental health services:

• Mary Moodley Clinic

• Daveyton Main Clinic

• Northmead Clinic

• Kemston Clinic

The Kingsway clinic in Benoni offers secondary mental health services.

Residents can also contact the following organisations in Benoni to assist them after they have been diagnosed:

• South African Depression and Anxiety Group on 0800 12 13 14

• 200% Foundation on 074 099 0999 or at 200percent@gmail.com

• Ithemba Rape and Trauma Support Centre on 011 422 4107

• LifeLine Ekurhuleni on 011 422 4242

According to mentalhealth.gov, mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being.

It determines how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices.

Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:

• Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry

• Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse

• Family history of mental health problems

Early warning signs

Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviours can be an early warning sign of a problem:

• Eating or sleeping too much or too little

• Pulling away from people and usual activities

• Having low or no energy

• Feeling numb or like nothing matters

• Having unexplained aches and pains

• Feeling helpless or hopeless

• Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual

• Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried or scared

• Yelling or fighting with family and friends

• Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships

• Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head

• Hearing voices or believing things that are not true

• Thinking of harming yourself or others

• Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your children or getting to work or school.

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