Owner of LALT Theatre House in Boksburg, mental health activist and social media influencer Louw Breytenbach decided to continue with his mental health awareness initiative as many South Africans are at a breaking point amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The talented TV presenter said the public is now welcome to tie a ribbon to the gate of his theatre house (20 Bartlett Road) until the end of lockdown Level 1, even though their green ribbon campaign was initially planned for June and July.
“As a sufferer of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the subject is close to my heart and I want to show people, especially during the lockdown, that they are not alone,” he explained.
“Our green Gate of Hope is currently shining with 300 green ribbons in support of mental health. Dark green is the colour associated with mental health, growth and life.
“The support from the community has been amazing so far. Counsellors and physiologists whose contact numbers are at our gate gave us good feedback and said they were able to assist a few people.
“It just shows you how many people are affected with mental health issues. Every year, 800 000 people die because of suicide.
“We know the pandemic is causing many people to experience huge psychological stress. Public health actions, such as social distancing can also leave people without their support system and make them feel lonely. Hence, we decided to continue with the initiative.
“There is also a gate of hope at 17 Campbell Street now, where people can tie their ribbons,” he emphasised
The activist highlighted that those who wish to dedicate a ribbon, but are not able to make their way to the Gate of Hope can email liveartstheatre@gmail.com and LALT will gladly tie a ribbon on their behalf.
He also urged community members to tie a ribbon to the gates of their own property. Louw said the initiative is not just a once-off thing, adding he will continue to shine a light on the subject.
“As soon as it’s a little bit warmer, we will also burn candles for every green ribbon representing a person who is struggling with mental health,” he explained.
He highlighted that members of the community could join their support group of five people every Wednesday night at the theatre house from August 5. “There are no costs involved. You can simply just send us an email to book your space and come for support if you feel like you’re struggling,” he said.
Louw’s journey with depression began when he was 15 years old and he recently checked himself into Denmar Psychiatric Hospital. “I didn’t have a mental breakdown, I self-admitted after 11 years of running and medicating to learn how to deal with my ADHD, PTSD, OCD, depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. I want to be mentally healthy and feel what it feels like to be alive. There are more people admitted a week, yet no one talks about it due to the stigma, so we all just carry around endless baggage.”
Louw said his experience at the psychiatric hospital was nothing like what we see in movies.
“No one sits in circles and talks about feelings and there are no basket cases. We had daily psychiatric and psycology sessions. I learned amazing techniques to cope with stress, anxiety and mood disorders.
“There are classes and workshops for nearly anything, including art therapy, writing and even exercise. It is not enough to tell people you love to reach out and call if they need you.
“Depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, and personality disorders at the best of times numb the victim and often silences them.
“If you are strong, you need to reach out. You need to see the warning signs and you need to hold space for them without trying to fix them, tell them what you think or try to inspire them. Just be there.
“This is how we break the silence. Not only by those who suffer reaching out, but by those who are creating an environment and society that is informed on mental disorders that are willing to create a safe and accepting space for those who suffer in silence.
“It’s important for teachers and parents to educate themselves on signs that can be found on the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)’s website (www.sadag.org/ ),” he added.
He advised community members in need of urgent support to call the SADAG on their 24-hour helpline 0800 456 789 or suicide emergency number 0800 567 567.
According to SADAG, the following signs may be indicators of depression in teenagers: Loss of interest in fun activities; sadness that won’t go away; crying a lot; irritability and/or anger; having low energy, constant tiredness or being restless; feelings of guilt or hopelessness; worrying, anxiety and tension; changes in appetite; eating too little or too much; changes in sleep patterns; sleeping too little or too much; missing school; school marks or performance dropping; having trouble making decisions;; thoughts of suicide; thinking a lot about dying or killing themselves; not socially connected to their peers, loneliness and feeling out of place.
Also Read: Tie a green ribbon on the LALT gate to show support for sufferers of mental health issues
Also Read: SADAG provides tips on how to cope during lockdown
