SEBOKENG. – According to the spokesperson, Lerato Sedulawesi, the event aims to dispel misconceptions attached to mental health illness. “The aim is to raise awareness about available resources to help patients requiring treatment and support.”
During the event, patients supported by staff marched peacefully to all hospital areas to hand over a memorandum of demands for the unit to function better.
Head of the Psychiatric Department, Dr Kazadi says: “The campaign is not only designed to change hearts and minds, but also to inspire action. Handing over the memorandum was to inform supervisors to be considerate of mental health patients and that they also need to be catered for in our hospital plans. There are so many barriers that prevent people from seeking the assistance they need when faced with mental health challenges. Through this campaign, we are bringing together various experts to share information with the public and our staff members.
“Very often people do not understand mental illness and may not be able to recognise symptoms of mental problems in themselves or their loved ones. We plan to do more of these campaigns where we will be able to educate people.”
Professional Nurse Alice Lebelo states that stigma related to mental health issues often stems from myths and misunderstandings and can leave those in need of treatment and support feeling isolated and more prone to addiction. “Too often, when people are unaware that help is available, they turn to drugs or alcohol to seek temporary relief, but this can lead to addiction. Help is available, that is our message to members of the community,” she said.
“Many of us will go through difficult times when we will require expert support, particularly when these problems are causing disruption to one’s daily functioning at work or in their family and social relationships. This is no different to consulting a doctor when one has an illness affecting the body,” concludes Occupational Therapist Thato Kwanaite.
