Mental Health Awareness Month, October 2011

Mental conditions can be treated

The Department of Health says the month of October has been declared Mental Health Awareness Month in South Africa with the objective of not only educating the public about mental health but also of tackling the stigma and discrimination that people with mental conditions are often subjected to.

As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate our members and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to explore certain important healthcare issues. This article looks at the subject of Mental Health this Mental Health Awareness Month, October 2011.

Common
While most people do not like to talk about mental conditions, they are very widespread in South Africa and other parts of the world. It has been estimated that globally as many as one in four people will suffer from a mental or behavioural disorder at some time of their lives.

Effective treatments
There is widespread discrimination against people with mental health conditions and many people feel ashamed if they suffer from one or think they may suffer from one. This prevents many individuals from discussing their problems with a professional and getting the help that they need. In fact mental disorders are not unlike other medical conditions and can usually be effectively treated, particularly if they are diagnosed early.

What are they?
Mental disorders are medical conditions that disrupt an individual's thinking, moods and feelings. They may affect the sufferer's ability to relate to others and function in the world. There are a number of different types of conditions and they may range from being mild or severe. Examples of mental disorders include depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and a number of others. Crime and other shocking events can cause individuals to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Seek help
A mental condition can be or become very serious, disrupting a person's life to the extent that he or she abuses drugs and/or alcohol, loses his or her job and home, or even commits suicide. Mental disorders should therefore be taken seriously. In fact you should seek help with a healthcare professional or a support group if you think you or a family member needs it. The first step is to acknowledge you have a problem and then you will be able to do something about it.

Take as directed
Individuals who are on medication for a mental disorder of one sort or another must always be sure to take their medication as directed by their doctor. They should never stop taking it without first consulting their doctor as this could have dangerous consequences.

You should also always tell your treating healthcare professional what medications you are on. Some people are embarrassed to admit they are being treated for a mental disorder and run the risk of being prescribed another medicine that does not react well with the medication they are already taking. Drug interactions can be dangerous so if your healthcare professional wants to give you a new medicine always discuss it with him or her first.

Also be sure to take your medicine with you if you are to be admitted to hospital. This will ensure that you do not have to do without it.

Dealing with depression
Depression is one of the more common mental conditions and it too can be mild or severe. Sometimes grieving is misread as depression, but everyone who experiences a loss of some sort can expect to feel down. It is only if the feeling persists, however, that one should seek help, as it may have developed into depression.

Keep in mind that depression is not a sign of weakness or lack of courage. It is a medical condition much like any other.

Those who suffer from depression and other mental disorders may not be able to control their condition but they can do a lot for themselves in order to feel better. The following actions and activities may help:

• Keep yourself busy. Engaging in activities that you enjoyed prior to becoming depressed can be helpful and get you enjoying them again.
• Keep in touch with friends and family. Do not cut yourself off from the world. Attend activities even if you do not feel up to it.
• Talk to a friend or family member about your feelings.
• Engage in activities that help others and contribute to society. This will help to take your mind off your own thoughts and feelings and allow you to see that you do have much to be grateful for.
• Exercise has been shown to be a natural antidepressant, so be sure to be as active as possible. Get into a regular exercise routine. Remember that even a regular brisk walk has health benefits.
• Have a healthy diet containing plenty of fruit, nuts and vegetables. This improves mood and boosts energy levels. Cut out activities such as smoking.
• Find out more about your mental condition by reading about it online or in books. Ask your doctor about it. This will help you to understand the disorder better and what to do about it.

Shock should be treated
If you suffer from a very traumatic event you should not ignore it in the hope that it will go away and not have an affect. PTSD can cause depression, anxiety and other problems and needs to be treated. The best way to do this is to receive trauma counselling, which is offered at certain police stations and support organisations such as the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).

Get support
Those who suffer from a mental condition need support and understanding, not judgement. A mental disorder can be successfully treated and managed, so be sure to find the necessary help if you are concerned that you or a loved one may be suffering from one.

If you would like to know how GEMS can assist you to obtain more information about any of your healthcare needs, you can contact the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or send a SMS to 083 450 4367. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and well-being.

References

1. ‘Dealing with Depression', HelpGuide.org, www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_tips.htm
2.  ‘Depression - What to do', MedicineNet, www.medicinenet.com/depression/article.htm.
3. ‘Mental Illness Awareness Month', South African Government Information, www.info.gov.za/events/health/mentalhealth_month.htm.
4. ‘Mental Health in SA', Health24, www.health24.com/mind/Mental_health_in_SA/1284-1301.asp.