Social media campaign launched to promote mental health in SA

In the wake of National Mental Health Awareness Month, leading health firm Pharma Dynamics has vowed to combat the stigma associated with mental illness with the launch of #Letstalkmentalhealth, a 31-day social media campaign.

Shouqat Mugjenker, mental health portfolio manager for Pharma Dynamics, said new research showed that social media engagement may have positive effects on mental health.

“Studies have found that social media is not associated with negative outcomes such as loneliness or isolation and can, in fact, help those suffering from a serious mental disorder to feel more connected. Many mental health sufferers may find personal, face-to-face interaction difficult, which makes social media an easier and more accessible channel to use for social engagement,” Mugjenker said.

He added that even though spending too much time online can have negative consequences, social media can also play a major role in blowing open the conversation around taboo subjects, such as mental health.

“Culturally, as a nation, we are just not wired to talk about mental health, however, the ‘facelessness’ and sometimes ‘namelessness’ of social media makes it an ideal platform for people to be honest and truthful about how they feel without fear of judgment or ridicule.”

Mugjenker said mental illnesses are a lot more common than people think with quieter conditions such as depression and anxiety as much more pervasive. He added that utilising social media to help identify depression could be a step in the right direction, especially in South Africa where there is a shortage of mental health professionals.

“We all experience sadness at some point in our lives, but if these feelings overwhelm us week after week, it shouldn’t be overlooked.”

Common signs of depression include:

• Increased fatigue
• Sleeping problems
• Constantly feeling anxious or tense
• Feelings of danger and panic
• Trouble focusing and losing interest in life
• Indulging in risky behaviour, substance abuse
• Uncontrollable emotions, changes in appetite and mood.

Mugjenker concluded, “Our campaign challenges all South Africans to learn more about mental health. Those who take the pledge are encouraged to take action through conversation and to see people struggling with mental illness for who they really are instead of their illness. The more people become aware of mental health issues, the deeper their understanding and the more they will want to help and become involved.”