Society tackles wrong perceptions about mental health disorders
October has been declared Mental Health Awareness Month, the main objective is to educate the public about mental health and to reduce the stigma and discrimination that people with mental illness are often subjected to in the community.
LYDENBURG – The Mpumalanga Mental Health Society held a mental awareness event at Mashishing community hall.
October has been declared Mental Health Awareness Month, the main objective is to educate the public about mental health and to reduce the stigma and discrimination that people with mental illness are often subjected to in the community.
Jabulile Ndlandla, a social worker of the mental health society, said sometimes the stigma and discrimination affect mentally ill persons more than the symptoms.
“The public should stop regarding mental illness the way it was back in the days when it could not be treated. We now have treatment available that can enable a patient to live a normal life,” she explained.
Mental and brain disorders vary in severity. The mental health society brought various stakeholders together to share their input and services in order to educate the public.
Many delegates from various sectors such as the Lydenburg Department of Social Services, Ama-Wheelies, Estralita, Itutheng Stimulation Centre, Thaba Chweu, Impumelelo Disability Forum, South Africa Epilepsy, and community members attended this event.
Bongani Mokoane, a 21-year-old with multiple disabilities is one of the people the society is assisting with treatment and education on how to become independent.
“The team has been teaching me how to create a curriculum vitae and which approaches to use when applying for a job,” he said.
Mokoane is a former Estralita School learner who is struggling to get a job; the school trained him and showed him all the skills he will need in the working environment.
“I want to do woodwork. I want to make cupboards, tables, chairs and living room stands,” he added.
Carol Malinga, a learner from Estralita School, says she has learnt a lot and will apply the new techniques in her daily life.
“Today I learnt where I should go if I get involved in an accident and I will tell my friends who didn’t attend this event,” she said. Malinga is a young swimmer who will participate in the Olympics at Los Angeles, USA next year.
“I love swimming and I know I will win,” she added with a smile.
Each stakeholders did a presentation to inform the audience about their services and some had stalls which guests could visit during the event.
