#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth: Why mental health is important
SANDTON – October is Mental Health Awareness Month and it is important to acknowledge the challenges faced by people with a mental condition.
October is Mental Health Awareness Month which is a time and opportunity to educate the public regarding mental health.
In light of this, the Sandton Chronicle recently spoke with an expert on mental health issues and treatments.
Tsholo Jood, a clinical psychologist at Tara Hospital said there are various signs of mental illness and it’s important for family members to pay attention to sudden changes in behaviours and emotions.
She said there are various aspects that may hinder a person in their daily life. “Mental health is quite complex and there are several things that are important for a person’s healthy functioning.”
One aspect, according to Jood, is the person’s ability to regulate their emotions and how much they can function and how their emotions are triggered. “Emotion regulation comprises the ability to manage the pleasant or unpleasant emotions.”
Another aspect is the social element. “There is the need for people to feel valued in relationships and society and for them to feel that they are worthy contributors.”
She continued that when it comes to mental illness, it becomes a situation where a person’s mental health has become compromised to the extent where they are struggling to function in day-to-day life.
Jood said the processes for getting a loved one into psychiatric treatment is that the next of kin need to take the person to the nearest emergency room, as they will need to provide the medical professionals with collateral information.
“It is also ideal that a person suffering from a mental illness is supported by a loved one during their admission and that they are treated with empathy and respect during this process,” explained Jood.
She said when a person refuses to seek and accept treatment, and the people around them believe they are a danger to themselves or others, they need to alert the police and clearly state their concerns.
“The police will ensure the person is taken to a place where they can receive treatment and it is important to acknowledge mental health and not to invalidate and dismiss mental illness.”
Jood said that loved ones may exhibit some or all of the following signs:
Adults:
- Extreme emotions
- They may have prolonged experiences of some emotions (sadness) and risky behaviours (such as substance use or self-harming)
- Changes in appetite (excessive eating or restricting)
- Excessive mood fluctuations
- Excessive sleeping or insomnia
- Physical complaints which cannot be explained by medical investigations.
Children:
- Changes in academic performance
- Regressive behaviours (incontinence after successful toilet training)
- Prolonged negative emotions (sadness)
- Frequent temper tantrums
- Changes in behaviour (school refusal or inappropriate refusal to comply with instructions)
- Changes in appetite
- Sleep disruptions (nightmares or bed-wetting).
Did you know it is Mental Health Awareness Month? Share your stories with us on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page
