Mental health outreach brings support to youth

As youth mental health concerns rise, a senior clinical psychologist empowers Soweto teens with tools to recognise and manage emotions like anger and sadness. He stressed the importance of seeking free help at local clinics.

SA’s youth face a growing mental health crisis, with many experiencing mental health conditions and limited access to treatment.

In response, the Johannesburg Health District held a youth mental health awareness session at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Protea North, Soweto, on July 10.

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This session gave youth information on how to deal with their emotions and cope with mental illnesses.

It brought together the youth of Protea Glen and stakeholders in the health department, including the rehab and nutrition programmes, psychologists and health promotion, who outlined the primary causes of depression, its effects and how to overcome it without endangering your life.

Neo Talenyane, a senior clinical psychologist in the Johannesburg health district, focused on identifying anger and sadness.

“I am happy with the turnout of the youth who came here today. It shows that we are going somewhere as a country.

“This means a lot to me because I believe that with one more life I can touch, I am putting the future of this country in good hands”.

He encouraged the youth to reach out to their nearest clinics to seek free help from social workers and psychologists.

Miss Teen eSoweto and cancer survivor Khanya Gumbi shared words of wisdom and encouragement with the youth.

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“Being diagnosed with cancer at a young age affected me so much mentally and emotionally, but because of the faith I had in prayer, I managed to overcome. We were taught to be strong, but not how to ask for help.

“It is high time we break the stigma and change the narrative. Mental health is as important as physical health.

“It is okay to seek support. I encourage everyone here to open up and use the resources the government provides for us.”

Clinical manager for mental health and psychiatric services in the Johannesburg district, Dr Senamile Mthiyane, said, “Programmes like this are helpful and important to the youth because they get to reflect and know more about themselves. I encourage whoever is struggling in their corner to use these services provided at clinics because they have privacy and confidentiality.”