Take a walk for mental health awareness

MENTAL health remains a highly stigmatised topic, limiting public discourse as well as communication within families who are affected by mental illness.

In an effort to break these social barriers the KZN Mental Health Advocacy Group will be hosting an awareness walk along the Durban beachfront on Saturday, 2 July. The event will also be hosted to kick start National Mental Health Awareness Month in July.

One of the local facilities that will be supporting the event is Durban North’s Northway Lodge. Several of its permanent residents have signed up to take part in the walk.

“People shy away from discussions surrounding mental health. It is much easier for people to talk about their physical health and to seek help and advice. Through the walk we are hoping to facilitate an openness on mental health,” said one of the event organisers, Dr Suntosh Pillay.

“Because of the secrecy depression and anxiety is often overlooked. Even professionals in the field have gotten caught up in the vale of secrecy and not enough awareness is created,” he added.

Gail Whittal, a family member of one of the residents at Northway Lodge echoed Dr Pillay’s sentiments saying the lack of information and discourse left them in the dark.

“When one of our family members started showing signs we did not know where to go, or what to do. And even after the diagnosis we did not understand and could not relate. However, when they began receiving proper treatment they have begun to blossom,” she said.

“Mental illness not only affects the patients and their quality of life, but also the families who often struggle with a huge burden. Many parents and siblings end up feeling alone and frustrated. Through the awareness we are also hoping to emphasis that early detection is key and will facilitate treatment tremendously,” said Northway Lodge manager, Gloria Fidalgo.

It is estimated that by 2020 clinical depression will be the leading cause of disability worldwide said Pillay.

• The public event, Walk the Talk for Mental Health, will take place at the Amphitheatre and the walk will start at 8.30am. Participants will walk to Ushaka Marine World and back. Governmental and non-governmental organizations that render mental health and substance rehabilitation services will be available to share information with the public and conduct screening for physical health, mental health and substance abuse. Contact 031 242 6168 or e-mail MHadvocacygroup@gmail.com.