World Mental Health Day is commemorated on 10 October, and is an opportunity for people to unite and improve their knowledge about mental health and embrace those affected by it.
The objective of the day is to talk about mental health and let people know that it is okay to ask for help, no matter what you are going through.
This year’s theme for the day is “Mental health is a universal human right” and foundations are dedicated to address inequalities in mental health.
There is a concerning increase of mental illness in South Africa, especially anxiety and depression. The stigma around mental health is concerning too, as it prevents many from getting the help that they need for themselves and those around them.
“Mental illness is a disease of the brain. Therefore, it needs to be viewed in the same light as conditions affecting other major organs like the heart or lungs.
The brain is as much a part of the human anatomy as any other organ, and sometimes medical intervention is a necessary part of treatment. We need to equate mental health with physical health and normalise getting the appropriate treatment, just as we would treat any other illness,” said Dr Thabo Mogotlane, a specialist psychiatrist at Mediclinic
Honour the day by checking in on your loved ones. Connecting with other people is the primary factor in all kinds of well-being. If you are dealing with or know of someone suffering from mental health, help them by making them feel seen.
