Tsakani – The MLT Institute held a 5km fun walk to raise awareness around mental health on October 24.
Various health agencies offering free services and advice to the community supported the event.
“Different stakeholders are invited to help the community members tackle mental health issues through discussions. The day mainly addressed misconceptions about mental health.
“We have realised that, within the community, there are many mental health issues not being addressed due to not knowing this issue,” said MLT centre manager Lucia Tsotetsi.
She said people need to know the different situations and circumstances that could lead to this condition, saying other causes of mental health are social, psychosocial, psychological and hereditary issues.
Various stakeholder representatives offer their services to the community.
“A combination of multiple genetic and environmental factors cause most mental disorders. Psychiatric disorders tend to run in families, suggesting potential genetic roots.
“Such disorders include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression and schizophrenia,” she added.
She said psychosocial issues such as GBV and childhood trauma can also contribute to mental illnesses.
Tsotetsi highlighted that the following could potentially result in a period of poor mental health:• Physical violence: Results in bodily injury, pain or impairment. The severity of injuries ranges from minimal tissue damage and broken bones to permanent injury.
• Social disadvantage, poverty or debt: Bereavement (losing someone close to you) and severe or long-term stress.
• Drug and alcohol misuse: Significant trauma as an adult, such as military combat, being involved in a serious incident in which you feared for your life, or being the victim of a violent crime.
Lifestyle factors, including work, diet, drugs and a lack of sleep can all affect your mental health.
• Sexual violence: The most common form of GBV, and may involve rape, sexual harassment and exploitation and forced exposure to pornography.
• Economic violence: Refers to when a male denies and controls a woman’s access to resources.
• Emotional/psychological violence: Involves verbal abuse, name-calling and belittling of the other.
• Domestic violence: Physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, psychological and economic abuse, intimidation and harassment.
• Violence against LGBTQI people: Harm and discrimination directed at the community is another form of GBV that can lead to mental challenges.
• General discrimination and stigma, including racism, can contribute to mental issues.
The 5km awareness walk in Tsakani.
“The biggest aim is to educate the community by making them aware that there are ways of dealing with someone facing mental health issues.
“When children are problematic, do not conclude the situation without trying to understand them. Parents also have to realise that children face a lot on their own and can inherit disorders we were not aware of in our families. They could be bullied at school, which might also result in problematic behaviour,” she highlighted.
During the walk, the MLT held postcards with messages and broadcasted messages of positivity. They approached community members to enlighten them on the disorders and advised them to visit their institute on the day to receive professional advice and help.
Mandla Sibeko, the founder and chairperson at Mandlethu Chronic Support Group, said supporting people undergoing mental challenges is crucial.
“We are all gathered here to make these people aware that we are willing to support them and ensure they receive the help they need.
“Mental stability is vital, which is why the government also makes awareness campaigns based on the condition. People experiencing mental challenges should be supported as opposed to being shamed or called names,” he said.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here.