Halfway House Clinic hosts annual mental health awareness
Occupational therapist at the clinic, Mahlatse Mahloele, said they need to strengthen mental health across the board.
Mental health is a serious issue that needs everyone’s attention.
This was the message of various speakers at the Halfway House Clinic on October 30.
Attendees at the Mental Health Awareness Month event included members of the South Africa Drug and Anxiety Group (Sadag), the Midrand police and South African Social Security Agency Midrand, and occupational therapists, psychologists, nurses and doctors from the clinic.
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Mahlatse Mahloele, an occupational therapist at the clinic said there were growing trends of social and economic inequalities and these led to protracted conflicts and violence at homes, and public health emergencies affecting the whole population, threatening progress towards people’s improved well-being.
“We must deepen the value and commitment we give to mental health as individuals, communities and governments. Over and above, we also need to match that value with more commitment, engagement, and investment by all stakeholders, across all sectors. We must strengthen mental health care so that the full spectrum of mental health needs is met through a community-based network of accessible, affordable, and quality services and support,” said Mahloele.
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Sadag counsellor Given Bongani Ndlela told attendees that suicide was not a solution for people suffering from mental illnesses.
“We first need to tackle the foundation phase of stress, depression and overall mental health issues… You can be depressed without being aware that you are not okay and might have a high-stress level,” said Ndlela.
Social crime prevention coordinator from Midrand Police Station Angelina Selowa said gender-based violence was a contributing factor to mental health issues in many instances.
“Sometimes, people tend not to report abuse and GBV they experience at home. And it’s only when they are no more that we get to know of their history of abuse. What is happening now is that GBV affects men and women alike these days. So, I urge everyone, irrespective of gender, to report any abuse at home to the police,” said Selowa.
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