When it comes to one’s health, one’s physical wellbeing often comes to the forefront. Yet, mental health plays an instrumental role in one’s welfare.
Focusing on the community’s mental wellbeing, the Amajuba Health District Office hosts a Mental Health Forum. Mental Health and Substance Abuse District coordinator, Patricia Ndlovu, explains the forum meets every second Friday.
But why is it so important to promote mental health?
“Abuse and assault victims often develop some form of mental trauma. Then there are the perpetrators, who when they are in court react in different ways. Some people who are aggressive have mental health issues, which is why they act like they do. Then there are those who are victims of crime, for example someone who has been hijacked. If they don’t get the necessary help, they can develop anger.”
Ndlovu adds that one can suffer poor mental health from work related stress. This can lead the individual to be abusive to their families. “If any form of mental illness is left, it can become much worse in the long run. It can even affect your health, causing hypertension and other health related problems.”
With a lot of external factors contributing to a person’s mental wellbeing, the Mental Health Forum can offer the community a glimmer of hope.
Members of the forum include officials from the Department of Social Development, Department of Health and other service organisations such as SANCA. “We discuss different issues and sensitise people on the different support groups which are available to help.”
As the forum works towards creating healthier community, Ndlovu says the forum is reaching out to support groups in the area. Through joining up with the forum, it can help people with certain mental health issues find the relevant groups to aid them find inner peace.
“There are support groups for depression, epilepsy and children with disabilities. Through working together, we can know who to refer people to in their time of need.”
For more information on the Mental Health Forum, be sure to contact Patricia Ndlovu on 034 328 7091 or 076 521 3270.
