To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month in October, the South African Federation for Mental Health (SAFMH) made a real effort in educating citizens about the risks of mental illness and the importance of putting mental health first.
Too often, mental health is ignored or not discussed. About 1 in 4 adults suffer from mental disorder every year, according to The Kim Foundation. With mental health being so prevalent, it’s important to make the effort to raise awareness. People don’t want to talk about mental health because they aren’t sure what to do to help. It’s become taboo to talk about mental health and the stigmas associated.
SAFMH Awareness Efforts
SAFMH is making strides in educating people on the importance of recognizing mental health and assisting those who suffer from mental illness. In fact, they are spreading the knowledge of mental health first aid practices. Intervening when someone is having an episode, offering help to someone you know needs it, being a support system from someone, helping with medications, are all just a few things that can make the difference for someone with a mental illness. Practices like these have the opportunity to save lives. In instances of medical emergencies, most of us know the most common physical first aid practices. However, we don’t know what’s appropriate to do if someone is having a mental health emergency. SAFMH is trying to overcome this hurdle.
