Teen beauty to create awareness of mental health
A teen from Krugersdorp is trying to create awareness among her peers about their mental health.
What started as a project for a pageant has now turned into a passion for 12-year-old Shenhlanhla Dlamini, who says that mental health among her peers is a serious and concerning issue.
Shenhlanhla, a learner from Kingswood College, has been taking part in pageants for the past year but said she has always dreamt of becoming a supermodel one day. During her most recent pageant journey, contestants had to choose a charity to support and one subject they would like to advocate for. Shenhlanhla chose mental health among the youth.
She explained how she believes mental health in children her age is not given the attention it needs. To raise awareness about the subject, she addressed her grade six peer group at school to discuss the signs and solutions when struggling with mental health issues. Her project also involved a mental health pajama walk around Key West Shopping Centre at the end of August, where she also spoke to the community about mental health.
According to her, three of the main mental health illnesses are depression, anxiety and stress.
“Other social issues can have an influence on your mental health like smoking, getting pregnant, school work, bullying at school, problems at home, family issues or peer pressure,” Shenhlanhla said.
To keep her own mind healthy this young girl goes for a run every morning and after school. She also makes time for hobbies like dancing and singing and explains that other children should make time for the things they enjoy.
“Do something to take your mind away from the problem.”
Her advice to those who want to help someone with mental health issues is to ask about the problem and try and help solve it otherwise, you can tell a responsible adult.
In the past, she also helped a friend who suffered from mental health issues by getting her involved in pageantry as well.
“Make healthy choices for a healthy mind,” said Shenhlanhla.
She went on to win the first princess at the Miss Mogul Inter-Africa competition as well as Miss Congeniality.
