The South African Federation for Mental Health’s World Mental Health Day event focuses on support and conversation for those struggling with mental health
At a recent event for World Mental Health Day, experts and individuals, with lived experience, highlighted the critical need to address mental health challenges in the workplace.
The South African Federation for Mental Health hosted a World Mental Health Day event, bringing attention to the importance of prioritising mental health in the workplace. The event provided a platform for experts and individuals with lived experience, to discuss mental health challenges, share personal stories, and explore ways to support mental well-being at work.
Read more: Phoenix Core NPC offers free mental health support through workshops
The event opened with a welcome address, followed by a talk by Leon de Beer, who presented on the topic of: Mental Health at Work. His session highlighted the increasing stress and pressure employees face, and how workplaces can play a critical role in supporting their mental health.
Next to speak was Kaboomo Mgibi, a digital brand manager at Studio 88, who contributed valuable insights from a corporate perspective. The session continued with a moving talk from Wayne Reith, who shared his journey of living with mental health challenges. His story resonated with many attendees, underscoring the importance of understanding mental health from a lived experience.
A tea and coffee break followed the first session, allowing attendees to connect and share thoughts on the day’s discussions. Participants were also encouraged to contribute to a pledge wall, where they could write down messages or commitments to improving mental health in their communities and workplaces.
Also read: Community gathers to celebrate art and mental health with SABDA
The second half of the event featured several key speakers. Dr Ingrid Daniels, from Cape Mental Health, offered a clinical perspective on the mental health landscape in South Africa and Phillipa Manning, from Pietermaritzburg Mental Health, shared practical strategies for integrating mental health support into the workplace. A handwritten note in the programme emphasised the importance of outlining the steps businesses can take to promote mental well-being.
Chipo Gwaza, from REHAB, and Melissa Terblanche, from South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), provided additional insights, focusing on rehabilitation services and community support for those facing mental health struggles.
To conclude the day, attendees were treated to a drama performance featuring Barbara Brislin, Lucky Ramoraswi, and several other performers. The performance creatively illustrated the daily challenges of mental health and the importance of empathy and understanding in the workplace.
The event wrapped up with a light lunch, giving participants the opportunity to discuss what they had learned and continue networking in a relaxed setting.
The World Mental Health Day event reminded attendees of the urgent need to prioritise mental health in the workplace. Whether through company policies, community support, or simply opening up conversations, the message was clear: Mental health should be a key part of any healthy and productive work environment.
By creating spaces for open discussion and encouraging practical solutions, events like this help pave the way for a more supportive and mentally healthy future.
Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.
Related article: Do not ignore mental health issues
