Mental Health Awareness in South Africa
According to the World Health Organization and World Economic Forum, mental illness is the largest economic burden the world carries today. Ninety percent of people in developing countries such as South Africa go without any form of treatment. The stigma of mental illness and a lack of mental health awareness worsen already existing mental health issues.
October is Mental Health Awareness Month in South Africa. Although mental health awareness has been growing steadily around the world, it is still largely below what it should and could be. As people face ongoing issues, both locally and globally, it has never been more important to recognise that mental health is an essential aspect of one’s overall health and wellbeing and that mental illnesses are common and treatable.
With increased mental health awareness comes more support and care for those that need it. Join us for the fourth episode of the Cornerstone Critical Dialogues on Bush Radio 89.5 FM, where our panel of psychologists will be discussing the state of mental health awareness in South Africa.
Joining us at 7 pm next Thursday will be Geraldine Franciscus, a counselling psychologist and Head of Psychology at Cornerstone Institute; Dr Odette Geldenhuys, a registered counsellor and psychology lecturer at Cornerstone Institute; and clinical psychologist Cebokazi Ngcakani Mtati. The programme will include live music by vocalist, music student and Eoan Group Teen Idol 2021 Finalist Skyla Kalamdien.