A local psychiatrist explains that mental health matters

NIETGEDACHT – With Mental Health Awareness Month upon us, local psychiatrist Dr Leverne Mountany gives some guidance on when you should seek mental health help.

October 15, 2019

Robyn Kirk 1 minute read

Dr Leverne Mountany from Life Riverfields Lodge gives the public some advice about when to seek mental health help. Photo: Robyn Kirk

The South African government has designated October as Mental Health Awareness Month, but when do you know that you need to seek professional help?

Dr Leverne Mountany has been a psychiatrist (a doctor who has specifically studied the brain and who diagnoses and treats mental illness) at Life Riverfield Lodge in Nietgedacht for the past 18 years. She treats general psychiatric conditions in both adults and adolescents and specialises in addiction treatment at the lodge. She explained that while emotions are a normal part of the human experience, there are signs and indications that will let you know when it’s time to get treatment because what you’re experiencing may be cause for concern.

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“South Africa has poor statistics around mental illness but I do think that the smaller studies that have been done shows that South Africa follows international trends,” she explained to the Fourways Review. “Mood disorders seem to be twice as prevalent in women, but then again men don’t always bring themselves to treatment [due to stigmas].

“It’s important to remember that emotions are part of who we are, and strong emotions (like grief) are not bad. A good rule to know when to intervene is if symptoms begin to affect your ability to function day-to-day.”

So, if you do start to become concerned about your mental health, what should you do next?

“The most important thing to do is consult a professional,” she explained. “Don’t consult Dr Google or your neighbour, but rather reach out to your doctor, a psychiatrist or psychologist. Sadag (the South African Depression and Anxiety Group) is an invaluable contact and gives good referrals to others who can help. You can also call Riverfield Lodge, not even to make an appointment but just to get advice [on where to get help].”

And, if you are concerned about a loved one, keep talking to them. “Raise your concerns with them. Tell them you’re worried about them and suggest they get help and keep on saying it. Even if they don’t get help right away, you’ve planted the seed and you should not give up.”

Details: Sadag www.sadag.org, 011 234 4837; 0800 20 50 26.

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