A new mental health unit for Carstenhof in Glen Austin, Midrand

To end Mental Health Awareness Month, Life Carstenhof Hospital has launched its mental health unit on 31 October at the institution in Glen Austin.

Life Carstenview is a short-stay mental healthcare facility which caters to and provides in-house treatments for mental health care users.

According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag), approximately 16,5 per cent of South Africans suffer from common mental health problems. Furthermore, mental health illnesses are the third biggest contributor to the burden of disease in South Africa.

Specialist psychiatrist at Life Carstenview Hospital Dr Sanjna Keerath said in South Africa it is estimated that approximately five million people are affected by a psychiatric condition and mental disorders comprise five of the 10 leading causes of disability.

“There are many different mental disorders, and they are generally characterised by a combination of abnormal thoughts, perceptions, emotions, behaviour and relationships with others,” said Keerath.

She said mental disorders include depression, bipolar affective disorder, schizophrenia and other psychoses, dementia, intellectual disabilities and developmental disorders. “October is Mental Health Awareness Month, an opportunity to not only educate the public around mental health but to also reduce the stigma surrounding mental health-related illnesses.”

Therapy at the unit is provided by a multidisciplinary team of specialists and all treatment regimes are supported by 24-hour specialised nursing care.

Life Carstenview also has numerous other amenities including a gym, recreational facilities, catering services and a private courtyard which are intended to create a conducive environment for patients.

The unit also provides a treatment programme for psychiatric disorders, which include mood and anxiety disorders, personality disorders and psychotic disorders.

It strongly focuses on the improvement of the individual’s physical functioning, self-esteem, self-image, interpersonal relationships, positive family interaction and vocational productivity.

“There are effective treatments for mental disorders and ways to alleviate the suffering caused by them. Access to health care and social services capable of providing treatment and social support is, however, key,” concluded Keerath.

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Also check out:

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/201821/someone-close-suffering-severe-anxiety/

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/201857/antidepressants-may-making-depression-worse/

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/202192/knitting-found-ease-depression-anxiety-elderly/