POLOKWANE – Lerato Madileng, a University of Limpopo graduate in clinical psychology says observations have shown work bullying and incompetent leadership are some of the major contributing factors that cause work-related depression.
She said the wellness centres that the institutions have appointed should host awareness campaigns with the managers to talk about the negativity of work bullying.
The mother of three has a bachelor degree in clinical psychology and has been a practising clinical psychologist since 2004. Although the field was not her first choice, she developed a love and passion for the course during her studies 1997 to 2002. She initially wanted to study medicine but failed to get admission.
“I did not apply on time like learners do these days because back then we believed in knocking on doors at the last minute looking for space. I went to the University of the North which is now called University of Limpopo with the aim to study pharmacology, however that did not pan out so I opted to study clinical psychology,” she explained.
Clinical psychology is a broad branch of psychology that focuses on diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders. Some of the more common disorders that might be treated include learning disabilities, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders among others.
Lerato started her private practice in 2008 and she has been working at the counselling centre at the University of Limpopo since 2012. She also worked at various prisons such as the Thohoyandou Maximum Security Prison and Polokwane Correctional Service.
According to Lerato, one must have passion to work with people and have a warm personality in order to succeed in the field. She said she loves her job because she wants to bring change to others’ lives. She further said saving one life in 50 is what makes her happy. Clinical psychologists are only allowed to assist about five patients a day since they deal with emotions and they need to recharge. She pointed out perseverance, patience, passion, and strength as important factors one should have to excel in the field.
“What we do as clinical psychologists is healing the next person and the mutual friendship you have with your clients is what makes you stand out. Your clients should first trust you in order to open up,” she explained. Suicide seems to be a solution to people’s problems these days and BONUS asked Lerato for advice: “We always have to talk with that particular person who wants to commit suicide in a positive way, this might change the person’s mind. This might help the suicidal person to see life differently and maybe reconsider committing suicide.”
She further said people should always take suicidal comments very seriously.
When a person says that they are thinking about suicide, we must always take the comments seriously.” She added that assuming that the person is only seeking attention is a very serious, and potentially disastrous, error.
However, Lerato said men’s suicide attempts are usually more successful because they don’t share their suicidal thoughts with anyone. Women on the other hand are somewhat easier to stop because they often talk about their hardships and plans.
Lerato is an outgoing person who likes eating out and family gatherings with gardening as her hobby. She encouraged young people to believe in themselves and always fight for what they believe in if they want to overcome life’s trials and tribulations.
