Shedding light on mental illnesses
Everyone can agree that adolescence is an extremely sensitive phase in the development of human beings.
Everyone can agree that adolescence is an extremely sensitive phase in the development of human beings. Contemporary South African youth face serious challenges during this period of their lives.
This is a time when the youth are susceptible to being lured into behaviours which go against the values and principles which are held dear in their homes.
There are many external influences which may determine or shape how a young man or woman behaves. The environment in which they are raised and the conduct can easily become a determining factor into what adolescents see as acceptable behaviour.
In this modern era, youths are exposed to a flood of counterproductive influences and many emulate what they see in their communities, on their television screens, and the culture of instant gratification which seems to have pervaded every aspect of our society.
Ga0mo Girls’ Club held their drug and mental awareness session on May 12 at Sefikeng Church in Zone One to which they invited guest speakers to share their knowledge about drug abuse, mental health and also where to go for assistance.
Club founder Gaamongwe Bogopane said that since their last review in February she picked up that most girls faced issues from which it was difficult to determine whether they were feeling well or not.
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She said, “These are issues that are on the increase because we do tend to give out bits of information to our children, not realising that they are the ones who are going through that experience.”
Masego Morobane answered questions about mental health and the effects it had on children, their schoolwork and personal lives.
She said, “Most people believe that mental disorders are rare and ‘happen to someone else’.”
“A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thought and/or behaviour, resulting in an inability to cope with life’s ordinary demands and routines.
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“Common disorders are depression, bipolar disorder, dementia and anxiety disorders. Symptoms may include changes in mood, personality, personal habits and/or social withdrawal.”
“We live in an era where professional help is available and we are able to tackle and speak out on such issues.”
Captain Lindiwe Noko from the Meadowlands social crime prevention unit said, “The Meadowlands Police Station has a victim empowerment centre and the biggest crime in schools is that learners use drugs.”
“Children come from different backgrounds and the modern generation are very fortunate because they can access information, have awareness programmes and steer each other in the right direction.”
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