The alliance holds support meetings twice a week at Tara Hospital in Hurlingham.
They have established a safe environment for people with disorders to feel secure, meet new people and experience different methods of therapy.
Sandton Chronicle attended a laughter therapy session. Anrinet Brink, a recovering bipolar patient, spoke to the group about daily stresses. She explained that the movement of laughter helps the body deal with depression. She asked individuals to share their anxieties, and then laughed it off with them.
“Happiness is greater than the things that annoy us. We create new labels to destroy the ones affiliated with these disorders. If we laugh about it, it will not bother us anymore,” said Brink.
Each group member introduced themselves to the person sitting next to them and instead of using their names, they replaced their first encounter with laughter.
“We are not laughing to shame them, we are laughing to rejoice them,” said Brink.
Most volunteers at the Tara outpatient groups have been affected by a family member with a disorder. One of the volunteers, Louise Zietsman, founded a house for people with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
“Some of them just need someone to listen to. If their issues are serious, I will take them to their psychologist or psychiatrist,” said Zietsman.
Another volunteer, Amy van Eck, is studying psychology and uses the time dedicated to the group as community work.
“I love the people and the atmosphere at the groups. I was welcomed with open arms,” said van Eck. She also believes the work helps with her studies.
The alliance members are searching for a sponsor to open another house for patients. They also want to open more meetings and are looking for volunteers to assist.
Details: Mary-Anne Dobrobic on 011 326 0661 or sabda@iburst.co.za
