SEBOKENG. – Botho Botjha Training Centre based in zone 13 Sebokeng recently carried out a mental health awareness campaign to address various societal ill and issues related to mental health.
The event was held together with the Gauteng National Development Youth Agency (NYDA), Thekgang Support Group and Boipoloko Stimulation Center.
Botho Botjha’s center manager Thapelo Monyeke believes that spreading the word and educating the general public about issues of mental heath will help people identify the kind of help they need and where they can get it from.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Monyeke said, “The month of October has been declared as mental health awareness month. Educating the public also helps in reducing the stigma and discrimination that people suffering from mental illness are often faced with.
“Through this event, those suffering from mental illness are reminded of the support available to them and are made to feel a little less alone in their struggle.”
Occupational Therapist Kamohelo Kutumela says, “Anxiety, substance abuse and work related stress are common, affecting individuals, their families and the broader community.
“These may have a direct impact on workplaces through increased absenteeism, reduced productivity and increased costs.Very few South Africans seek treatment for their mental disorders. Mental illness can be treated at your nearest clinic, hospital or healthcare provider, ” she said.
Carl Ndlovu, Technical Occupational Therapist Sedibeng said that there is increasing evidence that both the content and context of work can play a role in the development of mental health problems in the workplace.
Fatima Lethoba from the Department of Social Development states that, NPO’s like FAMSA, Lifeline, government institutes and the private sector can incorporate programs that promote positive mental health in the society.
“This will enable people to build good coping strategies and resilience that they can use throughout their lives to deal with stress and other factors that may trigger a psychiatric episode.”
