The Ekurhuleni metro encourages residents to seek help if they are struggling with mental health issues.
According to the local government’s health-care professionals, many people are reluctant to seek mental health treatment because of the social stigma attached to the illness. The metro is, therefore, using this year’s World Mental Health Day, celebrated on 10 October, to break the stigma.
Acting manager of acute and chronic care at the City of Ekurhuleni’s Health and Social Department Patrick Magodzho said this year’s 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 on mental health issues.
“The past months have brought about many challenges, ushering in new and unique dynamics in how people live their lives. While some may be coping well, others continue to suffer in silence – this should not be the case, seek help.
“Untreated mental illness can lead to more serious chronic health problems that may cause instability in one’s daily life,” said Magodzho.
Patients are encouraged to make use of the City’s health-care facilities, which offer free mental health care.
“All clinics in the City render mental health services at a primary level, which entails the assessment and screening of a patient to identify the ailment.”
This will be followed by a referral to the secondary mental health service.
Metro spokesperson Themba Gadebe explained: “At the secondary mental health service level, a specialist or mental health expert, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, occupational therapist or social worker, will assist the patient.”
Below is a list of the health-care facilities offering free mental health-care services:
Eastern region: Springs Clinic, Mary Moodley Clinic, Kwa-Thema Clinic, Kingsway Clinic, Tsakani Main Clinic, Daveyton Main Clinic, Duduza Clinic, Phillip Moyo, Simunye, Calcot Dlephu and Nokuthela Ngwenya.
Northern region: Boksburg Civic Clinic, Kempton Park Civic Clinic, Reiger Park Clinic, Northmead Clinic and Thembisa Health Care Centre.
Southern region: Katlehong North Clinic, Ramokonopi Community Health Centre, Dresser Clinic, Vosloorus Poly Clinic, Alberton North Clinic, Phola Park Clinic, Germiston City Clinic, Zonkeizizwe and Eden Park Clinic.
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