Young woman raises awareness on mental health
Port Shepstone's Charmaine Blose started an organisation called the ALIVE campaign at Nelson Mandela University which raises awareness on mental health.

Sheppie’s Charmaine Blose is a mental health advocate who is passionate about raising awareness and educating people on mental health.
When she was diagnosed with bipolar in 2019, Charmaine experienced a lot of stigma because of the diagnosis.
“I then made a promise to myself that I will raise awareness on psychological illnesses and find ways to eliminate stigma, which is why I started my campaign,” she said.
Charmaine started an organisation called the ALIVE campaign at Nelson Mandela University, which raises awareness on mental health.
“I also want to thank my university for giving me an opportunity to make such a change,” she added.
“ALIVE showed the importance of being able to break down barriers and stop negativity surrounding mental health. As a founder, I am proud to say we did make an impact at my university and surrounding places of Port Elizabeth.”
ALIVE donated and raised money for a psychiatric home called New Haven, and she managed to achieve this with assistance from lecturers at the university.
“They gladly helped the campaign with cash donations. One day, we even had an SABC journalist who covered what was happening. I did an interview on Tru-FM, too.”
Charmaine was proud of herself and the campaign, but the best part for her was having people say that the campaign helped them.

“By extending and sharing love to others, and with people coming to me with tears in their eyes and saying ‘thank you’, it warmed my heart that ALIVE was doing something good and creating a positive change.”
The organisation also visited Cheshire Home, where most people are mentally and physically disabled. An awareness talk was held here around the Easter period.
Shortly thereafter, ALIVE was taken to different campuses, and they engaged with students about mental health in partnership with the university’s clinic.
“We gave away green balloons and 200 green ribbons to pledge to stop stigma (green being the colour for mental health, particularly depression).
With regards to the state of mental health in the country, Charmaine said that in March of 2022, a report from Sapien Labs stated that South Africa is one of the worst countries regarding mental health.
“It’s important to speak about and normalise mental health. For a long time, I was angry at how stigma can destroy lives or even lead to suicide. This also comes from a lack of knowledge and education,” said Charmaine.
“Thanks to the Herald, we have an opportunity to speak out and shun stigma.”
Charmaine also said that knowledge is key for the public to be educated about mental health awareness and stigma, as this has instilled in her a strong desire to raise awareness and give hope to others.
Her goal is to end stigma and give hope, love and comfort to those affected or diagnosed with such illnesses.
“I long to see the day when mental illness is treated the same as physical illness. Where people living with mental illness are treated with dignity, equality and respect. As someone living with bipolar, I strongly feel about ending stigma and see a change in people’s behaviour and attitude.”
“Whoever you are, wherever you are, you are not alone. You are a human being deserving of respect and dignity!”

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