Health Systems Trust

Jul 17

Creating awareness through Mental Illness Awareness Month

Siyabonga Gema on 2024-07-17 11:22 AM

by Willemien Jansen (Health Systems Trust Copy and Content Editor)

Like our physical health, taking care of our mental health is just as important. Unfortunately, this is often a neglected area in our lives, taking its toll on our work, home life and our physical health. July is designated as Mental Illness Awareness Month to create awareness of the effects of mental illness on our overall health and well-being.

Various mental health entities like the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Masiviwe (@Masiviwe) and even the Department of Education are using this month to create awareness about certain mental health conditions that affect large portions of our population, but often go unnoticed.

What are mental illnesses?

According to the American Psychiatric Society (APA) "Mental illnesses are health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking or behavior (or a combination of these). Mental illnesses can be associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities." The good news is that mental illnesses are just as treatable as physical illnesses and most people affected by mental illness go on to lead healthy, productive lives if they get the right support and treatment. Unfortunately, there is a lot of stigma surrounding mental illnesses and people are often worried that others will think that there is something wrong with them or that they are "crazy". They are therefore ashamed and don't want to talk about it, while they suffer in silence.

What are some common mental illnesses?

According to SADAG and Masiviwe, there are a range of mental illnesses that affect a large portion of the population. These include:

Anxiety
Panic disorders
Depression
Bipolar disorder
Substance use disorders
Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

How do I get help if I think I am suffering from a mental illness?

If you have the means, book a session with a doctor or clinical psychologist. They will be able to help you through talk therapy, medication, or refer you to a psychiatrist who can book you into a psychiatric clinic if they deem it necessary. This, however, will only happen in extreme cases where people can no longer function in their lives. You can also visit your nearest clinic where your mental health will be assessed. If you want to deal with your mental health issues privately, there are a number of websites and hotlines that can provide you with information and help with next steps. A list of these will be given below. There are also numerous support groups that you can join where you can meet people who struggle with the same problems as you do, which will help you relate to others and feel less alone. It is important not to isolate yourself when you are going through a mental health crisis. There is help out there and there are others like you struggling with the same issues.

List of websites

National Department of Health: Mental Health

Masiviwe

SADAG

SA Federation for Mental Health

List of helplines

Mental Health Information Line: 0800 567 567

LifeLine National Counselling Line: 0861 322 322

Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567

Cipla Mental Health Helpline:0800 456 789, SMS 31393

Healthcare Workers Care Network Helpline: 0800 21 21 21, SMS 43001

Dr Reddy's Mental Health Helpline: 0800 21 22 23