Sadag partners with Miss SA to tackle mental health issues

Miss South Africa 2020 Shudufhadzo Musida has launched her online mental health initiative #MindfulMondays in conjunction with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) on February 8.

Musida announced that she would be focusing on raising awareness of mental health when she took the Miss South Africa crown in October last year.

According to Sadag, they are proud and honoured to have a platform with Miss SA to share conversations around mental health and to help break the stigma around mental illness in the country.

“By using her powerful platform and her compassion towards mental health, we hope to debunk myths, encourage people to seek help and share practical self-help tips to use as part of their mental wellness,” Sadag said in a statement.

Using her Instagram platform @shudufhadzomusida will speak to various experts on a diverse range of topics related to the subject.

Musida’s first guest on February 8 was a clinical psychologist and Sadag board member Zamo Mbele whose conversation focused on mental health.

Their discussion covered the difference between mental health and mental illness, mental health stats in South Africa, how it impacts people, what some of the different types of mental health issues are, who treats them, what resources are available and how Covid-19 has impacted mental health.

On February 15, the focus will be on teen depression to mark Teen Suicide Prevention Week. Musida’s guest will be GP and social media influencer Dr Sindi van Zyl who will talk about teen depression.

They will discuss its causes and symptoms, as well as tackle questions including are boys and girls affected differently. How does one identify the warning signs of suicide. How to start the conversation with a friend or child about depression or suicide and how does one get help if you or someone you know is thinking of suicide.

Going forward, Musida will tackle other vital mental health issues including, bullying, grief, men and depression, social media and mental health, substance abuse and the impact on families, the power of support groups, understanding the highs and lows of bipolar disorder and sleep and mental health.
• Information supplied by Sadag.

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