October is Mental Health Awareness Month.
The objective of this month is to educate the public about mental health but also to reduce the stigma and discrimination that people with mental illness are often subjected to.
Mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse and job stress are common, affecting individuals, their families, co-workers and the broader community.
In addition, they have a direct impact on workplaces through increased absenteeism, reduced productivity and increased costs.
ALSO READ: Signs of hope as Ekurhuleni sees downward trend in new Covid-19 cases
Very few South Africans seek treatment for their mental disorders. Mental illness can be treated at a clinic, hospital or healthcare provider.
GCN spoke to social worker Yolanda Mshumpela on how a family can be mindful of mental illness.
“According to the Mental health Act 17 of 2002, ‘people detained under the Mental Health Act need urgent treatment for mental health disorder and are at risk of harm to themselves and others’.
“Furthermore, assessment in the families of people with mental illness is vital, and this needs to be done using different tools under the guidance of the mental health framework,” said Mshumpela.
She said most children suffer from multiple disorders because of many factors in their lives.
“These disorders are a result of many factors, such as neglect by parents, toxic family backgrounds and bereavement in the families and stress because of a certain event in their lives,” said Mshumpela.
She said the things to look for include behaviour and conduct, post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression.
“Many children and older persons may suffer from forgetfulness or being confused in thinking – they have excessive fears or worries. Extreme mood swings and withdrawal from peers and family members and sleeping problems,” said Mshumpela.
She encouraged family members to seek assistance.
“If signs are there, consult a professional immediately,” said Mshumpela.
She said at first it may seem too much but all the parties involved in offering help will assist the family on the journey.
“Stakeholders and authorities are working together to equip families to enable them to support their family members who are likely to suffer from mental illness,” said Mshumpela.
Contact the newsroom by emailing:
Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za
