South Rand Hospital tackles mental health problems
People with mental health are not crazy.
South Rand Hospital’s mental health team met with caregivers on March 16 to tackle the challenges they face in the community.
The hospital’s Dr Maebe Ledwaba said they had a similar gathering a year ago to help the caregivers with their struggles.
“We need your help to tackle this. Also, the stigma attached to mental health must be resolved. As a hospital we help and treat everybody,” she said.
Occupational therapist (OC) Denisha Vassan, who was one of the facilitators mentioned, that some of the struggles that the caregivers encounter includes monitoring loved ones in taking medication. Family dynamics, finances, conflict with families, drugs, transport and community interaction are also some of the challenges highlighted.
“The community needs to know that as a hospital we care about our patients and we want the best for them. We also want them to get help and have a long sustainable plan after leaving the hospital.
“We have these dialogues to establish the relationship with the caregivers because the more we know about their challenges the more we can plan better and get the help they need,” she said.
Polly Khumalo (OC) said there is a support group for caregivers at the hospital.
“They need to come to ward one on Tuesdays and Thursdays where we support groups gather to share problems and solutions,” he said.
One of the caregivers said the community needs to understand how to treat people with mental health because some of the things they do are not deliberate. “They are not crazy, they only need their medication and everything will be alright,” said Khumalo.
Also present were Sibongile Makhubu (OC), who was the programme director for the day, and Dr Letse Kabo. The team assured the caregivers that they will engage other stakeholders including SAPS, SANCA and Sassa.
