Posts tagged mental health

Since when is the label “savage” a positive one? There is a disconcerting absence of civility, even basic humanity, in our social media interaction, and it is doing untold damage.

The Mr and Miss Autism Kenya pageant is an event that is helping to bridge the existing gap in awareness and education on autism. By alleviating the stigma associated with the condition, parents will feel more inclined to get their children diagnosed early, thus increasing the chances of successful intervention.

Alex Boyé has become known for his uplifting music. Now his support of mental health campaigns has seen him being honoured for adding his voice to suicide prevention efforts.

Depression has for a long time been referred to as a “white disease” even though close to one in six South Africans suffer from depression or anxiety.

If we do not change our attitude to mental health issues and suicide, the stigma will make people suffer in silence and ultimately result in more death and suffering, says Joyline Maenzanise.

Suicide is a potentially preventable public health problem but studies show that men take their lives at a substantially higher rate than women and we look at why and what to look for.

Today is the World Mental Health Day. It was established with the aim of creating awareness of mental health issues all over the world as well as mobilising support of mental health.

Today we commemorate World Health Day amid reports by the World Health Organisation indicating that depression is the number one cause of ill-health globally. The theme “Depression: let’s talk” recognizes that depression is a treatable condition and seeks to address the fact that, despite this, about 50% of cases of major depression still go untreated. As we commemorate World Health Day, let us all remember that we are all vulnerable to depression.

In Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, a two year old boy has been in the hospital for two months after his mentally ill mother cut off his penis because it was too big for his age. She has since been admitted into a psychiatric hospital.

In South Africa, the spotlight is on the mental health care system following the deaths of over 100 patients. Mental illness is still an issue that the continent battles to handle properly, and the rights of people with pyschosocial disabilities are often trampled upon.