SA does very little for mental health – experts and survivors on World Mental Health Day
Experts, counselors and survivors say SA is in a worse place for mental health than it has ever been.
South Africa is worse off than it has ever been in its treatment of those suffering from mental health conditions.
This was the sad but unanimous conclusion from the World Mental Health Day event at the SA Federation for Mental Health offices in Ferndale on October 10.
From personal testimonials from those suffering from schizophrenia, depression, self-harm, anxiety, ADHD, and many chronic conditions, to letters written by families of those who died in the Life Esidimeni tragedy and a talk by a woman whose sister died in the tragedy, to various interactions with mental health experts and counsellors, everyone agreed that the government and society could do a lot better to support people.
“My sister was at the facility in Randfontein during the Esidimeni tragedy, and she was dying when I found her,” said Christine Nxumalo of the Life Esidimeni Family Committee. “There was nothing we could do. She was one of only 10 people out of 144 that died who had an autopsy done. It was found that there was only about 30ml of water in her body and the only food in her body had been shoved down her throat right at the end, as she was busy dying.”
Nxumalo added to date very few of the families had been paid out by the government for their losses. Families are still trying to get someone charged with culpable homicide for this tragedy in 2016. The inquest is ongoing.
Aviwe Funani of the United for Global Mental Health Action Network agreed that the government could do a lot better, and also highlighted that teachers and families often acted too late when a young person showed signs of mental illness such as misbehaviour or poor attention spans.
That is why the network is implementing its Being Initiative campaign in 13 developing countries to help identify and support young people who need help.
This highlighted a positive outcome everyone took from the day – that there is still support and hope for those with mental health conditions.
Stacy Coconas of South African Depression and Anxiety Group brought four people with her who each shared their stories. Vanathi Knight, Anelisa Marhawu, Megan Doty and Melissa Naidoo all had chances to share their knowledge as ‘human libraries’ about living with various chronic conditions.
A short film told the stories of others in similar situations, with some of these people in attendance on the day. The stigma they faced from the community was highlighted. A photo exhibition was also presented, depicting shots of families of Life Esidimeni patients holding the portraits or ID books of the deceased, along with letters written about their stories.
Lastly, the federation’s Shayni Geffen spoke again about the importance of helping people from a young age. Michela Thorns (22) discussed her journey with bipolar and self-harm and setting up a society at the University of Pretoria to help other young people deal with mental health issues. She is part of a youth forum with 13 others, formed by the federation to help young people.
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