Bethal DCS create awareness around breast cancer and mental health

Officials of the Department of Correctional Services created awareness about breast cancer and mental health in October.

Breast cancer awareness is commemorated globally and during this period, campaigns are held with the objectives of informing and educating the public about breast cancer.

Equally, October is also aimed at creating public awareness about mental health. These campaigns focus on reducing the stigma and discrimination against people with mental illness.

Bethal Area Management, employee assistance program practitioner Thapelo Ramalovhela, highlighted the importance of prioritising mental health in the workplace.

He emphasised creating supportive environments is not just beneficial for individual well-being but also essential for overall productivity and employee engagement.

In addition, he said many employees suffer from stress, anxiety, or other conditions yet feel they are the only people with these issues. It is important to remind employees these are normal feelings everyone has to deal with.

“There is a link between breast cancer and mental health. Although breast cancer is a physical illness, it has a mental health impact too. This normally happens after a person discovers his or her status of breast cancer.

“Many people experience a wide range of challenging feelings, such as anxiety, sadness, anger, and frustration, which all affect their mental state,” said Ramalovhela.

The area coordinator of corporate services, Mzwamakhaya Dlepu, mentioned the mental health of employees at the workplace is regulated by the employer, the constitution, and other laws.

“Under the Department of Public Service Administration, there are policies and regulations that guide the employer and the employee on how to manage matters of mental health,” said Dlepu.

He said that the increase in cancer and mental health awareness in the workplace is essential for minimising health risks that can affect the well–being of the officials.

“Speak to a doctor if something does not feel normal to you. Early detection of any disease increases the chance of survival.

“The mental and physical health of officials is significant for the health of the DCSs because healthy officials are effective and productive towards achieving goals of the vision and mission of the department,” said Dlepu.

The mental health coordinator of Govan Mbeki Department of Health, Sister Nomfundo Dubulekhwele, informed officials that mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

She emphasised mental health problems can affect an employee’s energy level, concentration, dependability, mental ability, and optimism, hindering performance; because good mental health is related to higher productivity.

She highlighted proper and prompt treatment will help improve mental well-being, physical health and productivity; on and off the workplace. She also encouraged officials to use the services of the EAP.

“Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act. Therefore, it is vital to handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices,” said Dubulekhwele.

There was also a demonstration of physical and visual self–examination, useful for the early detection of symptoms of breast cancer. The session concluded with screening officials for breast cancer.

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