Shining a Spotlight on Mental Health & Wellbeing

In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, I am encouraged by the initiatives that are taking place to address mental illness. There is a shift and a transformation to where people are more comfortable to talk about mental health and wellbeing. The biggest one is that more and more people are open to talking about mental illness without the fear of the stigma and discrimination that is often attached to disclosing that one suffers from mental illness.

It is hard to fight an enemy that we cannot see. The minute we confront our fears and challenges, an incredible thing happens. Firstly, it disempowers them, secondly, that is the first step to getting the help that we need to overcome them. Therefore, we need to continue to shine the light on mental illness so that those who need help can have the confidence to step forward and get the help and support that they need.

Knowing that the support is there makes it easier for individuals who suffer in silence to disclose the mental stress and strain that they may be experiencing. This is in line with the objective of drawing an awareness of mental health to not only educate the public about mental health but also to reduce the stigma and discrimination that people with mental illness are often subjected to.

We see mental illness manifest itself in so many ways whether it is at home or at work. In the work environment, there are a number of symptoms which include, increased absenteeism, low productivity, low morale, irritability, and depression. Organizations need to continue to make it easy for employees to declare when they suffer from mental illness. Burnout, long working hours and a lack of work-life balance can lead to employees feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope with not only work pressures but also this can affect their personal lives. At home, mental illness symptoms include, mood swings, withdrawal from friends and loved ones, irritability, stress, and suicidal thoughts. Many of these symptoms overlap between work and home life.

We all have a responsibility to one another. We need to help each other by providing the help and support needed to fight mental illness. There are organizations such as the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) that have professionals available 24/7 to assist individuals who suffer from mental illness. However, we can all rise up against mental illness and join the fight by having an open heart and taking the time to listen when someone has something troubling them. We all need someone who can be there to listen to us unconditionally and without judgment when we are going through life’s challenges. That alone is priceless. Sometimes, we just need a reminder that we are not alone on this journey of life and that a problem shared is a problem solved. Talking to someone helps to put things into perspective.

Let’s reach out to our family and friends and check up on each other amidst all the busyness of each day. Take time to show someone that you are thinking of them and that you care. That has the most amazing feeling both to the caller and the recipient. Go ahead, call someone …