What is mental health and what does it mean to you?
The world celebrated World Mental Health Day last Wednesday, many created campaigns to raise awareness and we hit the streets to find out what residents thought mental health was all about.
Mark Mullen: “Mental health can sometimes be poor and there is a lot of stigma surrounding that. Look past the diagnosis and look at the person, remembering they’re human. With counselling and medication they’ll fit into society perfectly.”
Adonia Nyashanu: “Good mental health gives you the power to work efficiently and productively. If you feel yourself wallowing in depression or any other mental health issues, seek support from friends, family, or talk to a psychologist who can help.”
Lerato Mokoenanyane: “Mental health means maintaining mental fitness just as you maintain good physical health. Taking care of yourself emotionally, doing things that relax your mind. Not depending on harmful substances to avoid breakdowns and managing anxiety attacks.”
Molly Malaza: “Mental health is psychological wellness. Marital and financial problems can cause stress and bottling it up can make you a nervous or aggressive person at work. You cannot deal with any mental health issues alone, seek help.”
Nicole Moonsammy: “When you look after yourself, holistically, good mental health is the end result. If you feel you need help, there are now psychiatric programmes and medicine dedicated to helping those who suffer from any mental health issues.”
Nompumelelo Sibiya: “Mental health is all about your emotional and psychological wellness. It is not the absence of stress, but managing your stress well and being mindful of your identified stressors. These can be detrimental to your psyche.”
