West NGO hosts mental health and depression awareness programme
The programme included four panellists who told attendees how to spot symptoms of depression and other mental health issues.
A local NGO named K. Productions hosted a mental health and depression awareness programme in Pretoria West on Saturday, June 18.
The programme was in the form of a talk show called The Mindful Health Talk Show with a set of four panellists and two hosts.
According to the founder of K. Productions, Khopotso Seopela, the talk show wanted to address the stigma attached to mental health problems.
Seopela said it is important to educate the youth about such issues because they are living in a diverse era and constantly have to deal with problems that lead to drug and substance abuse.
She said a large percentage of the youth are likely to face mental health battles both consciously and subconsciously.
“This is why we felt the need to help them identify the symptoms and teach them healing methods,” she said.
Seopela told Rekord that many reasons cause young people to fall into depression, but non-effective communication with their parents is a common cause.
She said more causes include social media standards, absent fathers, youth unemployment and the natural change from being a teenager to an adult.
The attendees were addressed by a panel of four professionals who deal with social issues daily. The panellists were Tshiamo Shoba, Xoliswa Mogoere, Violet Phooko and Rinky Magamela.
Seopela said the panellists taught the youth how to cope with mental health battles and the relevant organisations that offer counselling for free.
“We want to organise more programmes like this soon.”
The event was sponsored by various small business owners and the Tshwane metro assisted with transportation, food, soft drinks and water.
The programme was closed off with a theatre performance and meals prepared for the attendees.
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