Bertha Gxowa speaks out against the stigma around mental health illnesses
Guests and hospital staff proudly pinned the green ribbon on their chests, symbolising their stance in raising awareness and support for good mental health for all at the Bertha Gxowa’s mental health awareness event.
The most common diseases in SA are said to be anxiety disorders (16 per cent), mood disorders (10 per cent) and substance use disorders (13 per cent).
In light of the World Mental Health Awareness Day on Wednesday, the psychiatric ward at Bertha Gxowa Hospital under the leadership of ward manager Sr Mpho Malibadi, held an informative mental health awareness event at the hospital.
The theme for the day was “Young People and Mental Health in the Changing World”.
The panel speakers included clinical psychologist Rinet van Lil, Yandiswa Sifuba from Sanca Horizon Clinic, Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Centre (Boksburg), Rebotile Letsoalo from the Employee Wellness Programme and occupational therapist, Humairia Sayed Khan.
The speakers covered four elements which included the following: defining mental health, busting myths surrounding mental health illnesses, addiction and occupational therapy as an option among other treatments and programmes.
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‘Being suicidal means you’re crazy’, ‘People with mental health problems can snap out of it if they try hard enough’, ‘Mental health problems will never affect me’. Rinet said these myths and others are part of the reason why there is a stigma surrounding mental health issues.
“People are often scared to seek help and get a diagnosis because of society.
“They have even convinced themselves that children don’t experience mental health problems, which is also a myth because symptoms can start showing at the age of 14,” she said.
Rinet added that by busting myths, and seeking help once common symptoms of depression or other mental health illnesses are identified, people could then start the process of healing.
“Do not simply rely on medication. Attend therapy sessions too, they will help you build and maintain a sense of self-reliance,” she said.
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Yandiswa spoke sternly about the need to keep active to raise endorphins, and also about trying out various activities to get an adrenaline rush instead of relying on harmful substances.
“How do you get your adrenaline rush?” she asked.
“Some get it from bungee jumping; some from reading and some from mood-altering substances.
“The use of mood-altering substances begins as experimental, and can elevate to social use, excessive use, total addiction and the crucial phase.”
According to Yandiswa, the last three stages of the use of substances often lead to more harmful results. This, according to Yandiswa, is because people may use substances as a way of dealing with undetected mental health issues.
“Take care of your mind; choose your thoughts wisely, and do things that excite you.
“Take care of your body; exercise; drink more water and focus on your soul.
“Some people pray, some call upon their ancestors and some meditate. Do right by yourself holistically,” said Yandiswa.
To learn more about mental health and in-patient and out-patient programmes contact the psychiatric ward on 010 344 2997.
For addiction-related inquiries contacted Yandiswa on 011 917 5015.
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