With October being Mental Health Awareness Month, the Herald spoke to a local psychiatrist to learn more about mental health.
Dr Molokashe Molokomme who is a psychiatrist at Lenmed Randfontein Hospital said mental health encompasses thoughts, emotional well-being, and behavioural patterns.
She said it’s important to create awareness about mental health as it plays a huge role in our lives as our functioning depends on it.
Our ability to function socially, academically and occupationally is directly linked to our mental health. This means our ability to interact well with others as well as perform well in our studies and work environment rely heavily on mental well-being.”
Conditions that a common are mood disorders such as major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, anxiety disorders such as generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder, trauma-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), substance-use disorders, neurocognitive disorders (commonly known as dementia), and personality disorders.
Depression and anxiety disorders are more prevalent in females whereas substance-use disorders are more frequent in males.
“Mental-health disorders can be diagnosed across all age groups at least from the age of two to three (such as autistic spectrum disorders) and they may present differently across age groups. An adult with depression may verbalise feeling depressed whereas a teenager may present with behavioural problems.”
Dr Molokomme explained that someone can take control of their mental health, and regular contact with the treating mental-health professional is essential.
“This provides a platform to address stressors, review medications prescribed and manage side effects. Involving loved ones is also recommended as they will notice when there’s a change in mental health, it’s also important to adhere to treatment prescribed, eat balanced nutritious meals and engage in regular physical exercise”.
According to her it’s important to talk about mental health as there’s no health without mental health.
