Jack Hindon clinic holds mental health awareness campaign
Its aim was to inform men that they can also go out to seek help as these services are not only for women.
Efforts to reach out to perpetrators of gender-based violence must be intensified in the fight against this scourge, says an activist.
Cynthia Mabilane, a professional psychiatric nurse at the Jack Hindon clinic, was hosting a mental health awareness campaign at the clinic recently, focusing on men living with depression.
“I realised that the percentage of cases of gender-based violence has not decreased as the focus is placed on the victims and maybe we could see a change if it was placed on the perpetrators.
“An angry man can end up being abusive out of rage or childhood trauma; men are depressed and wounded.
“We wanted to create awareness and let the people in the community know that there is help,” said Mabilane.
The campaign attracted close to 100 people, including people from neighbouring communities.
“The aim was to inform men that they can also go out and seek help because these services are not only limited to women.
“Men tend to bottle up their feelings, but this could affect their performance at work or their roles as fathers and husbands,” she said.
She added that symptoms of depression such as persistent feelings of sadness or a loss of interest do not differ from gender to gender.
Symptoms may also include changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, daily behaviour and self-esteem as well as thoughts of suicide.
“We want to encourage men to come for help and access resources such as helplines and group therapy to create a society of mentally healthy men,” she concluded
The clinic has two psychologists, nurses and occupational therapists who assist members of the public from 377 Jack Hindon Street, Pretoria North, Pretoria.
ALSO READ: Mental health awareness: Zoleka Mandela uses her voice, so others don’t feel alone
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
