KWAZULU-NATAL Mental Health Advocacy Group will hold this year’s World Mental Health Day walk online with those walking the 1km posting pictures on social media on Saturday, 10 October.
This event comes in the wake of other events to destigmatise and advance awareness that mental health matters are moving online this year due to the pandemic.
Suicide
A virtual walk and commemoration of Suicide Prevention Day, 2020, was held last month when Survivors of Loved Ones of Suicide (SOLOS) and the International Association for Suicide Prevention is asked people to light a candle and place it at a window at 8pm on Thursday, 10 September to indicate support for suicide prevention.
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The annual SOLOS walk, usually held on the closest Sunday to 10 September, was organised 13 years ago by Joy Chiang, who runs SOLOS, a support organisation not only for survivors of suicide but for anyone whose life has been touched by suicide.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 800 000 people die by suicide globally each year,
Suntosh Pillay, a clinical psychologist explained that in South Africa 23 suicides are recorded daily.
Since the beginning of this year, South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)’s free suicide helpline received 55 000 calls for help.
“This is a public health emergency, and yet, mental health care services are grossly underfunded in the private and public health systems,” said Pillay. “Along with crime, xenophobia and violence plaguing our country, the need for psychosocial support is enormous”.
October
This is the fifth year that KZN Mental Health Advocacy group is hosting a walk to raise awareness of the need for improved psychosocial services.
“Since 2016, Durban’s north beach amphitheatre has been an annual meeting point to campaign for improved psychosocial services in the province. The walk is spearheaded by a group of activists called the KZN Mental Health Advocacy Group, in collaboration with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), a leading non-profit organization,” said Suntosh Pillay, a clinical psychologist.
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Pillay explained how Covid-19 safety regulations prompted a virtual event.
“We had an amazing turnout of over 950 people last year, so we urge citizens to keep the momentum online and a post a pic or video with our hashtags. This can help destigmatise mental illness and start life-saving conversations,” added Pillay, who launched the walk in 2016 with his colleague, Suvira Ramlall.
Walking
“Walking is nature’s gift – a simple, effective, inexpensive way to stay healthy,” said Ramlall, a psychiatrist at King Dinuzulu Hospital in Sydenham.
“Walk or move your body joyfully, mindfully and regularly, it’s the best investment you can make to keep your brain healthy and your heart happy.”
Bianca Barnard, a volunteer at SADAG KZN, said 2020 thus far has been really stressful. She explained that exercise has helped her cope.
“Throughout lockdown, I have found that keeping active has helped me manage this stress effectively. Everything from walking to yoga can help to put one’s mind at ease,” said Barnard.
What’s stopping you?
To participate simply complete 1km of walking anywhere you want to, post a picture or video onto social media while wearing green and your best hat, with hashtags #StepUpKZN #SpeakYourMind and #MentalHealth.
There is a central link to register if you would like to participate in a Zoom meeting on the day, or other online wellness events throughout the month. The event promotes holistic wellness and there will also be online yoga, Zumba, and mindfulness classes throughout October.
For enquiries SMS 078 278 7047 or email MHadvocacygroup@gmail.com.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
