AN awareness drive which will focus on mental health will be kick-started with an advocacy walk and information campaign, hosted by the KZN Mental Health Advocacy Group, on Durban’s beachfront on Sunday, 15 October from 9am to noon.
The event, which is free to the public, starts at the North Beach Amphitheatre opposite the Elangeni Hotel.
According to co-ordinator, Suntosh Pillay, the event’s goal is to bring people together for a common purpose.
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“We’re following on the success of last year, where hundreds of people arrived, proving that these projects are really needed. There is no health without mental health; everybody is affected by friends or family who are depressed, anxious, abusing drugs, suicidal, or struggling to move past the death of a loved one or leave an abusive relationship. Stigma prevents people from seeking help, so we are hoping that an event out in the open, literally under the sun, will encourage dialogue and the freedom to ask for help,” said Pillay.
The mental health advocacy group is an initiative of the clinical psychology and psychiatry departments at King Dinuzulu Hospital Complex and is supported by the KZN Department of Health and the private, public, and non-profit sector.
Dozens of health professionals and organisations will be present to answer questions and offer free health screenings for the public.
Co-organiser, specialist psychiatrist Dr Suvira Ramlall, said mental well-being was fundamental to the quality of life and productivity.
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“Mental health activities enhance people’s well-being and functioning by focusing on their strengths and resources, reinforcing resilience, reducing risks and enhancing protective factor, for individuals, families, communities and nations, enabling people to experience life as meaningful and to be creative and active citizens. Walking has many proven health benefits, boosting your mood and immune system,” said Ramlall.
Organisations who want to host a stand or people who want to pre-register for the walk can email MHadvocacygroup@gmail.com or call 031 242 6180/4.
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