#MentalHealthMatters

On Friday, 7th June 2019, members of the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics joined thousands of South Africans sporting colourful, mismatched socks in support of the first ever #CrazySocks4Docs initiative - a campaign aims to raise awareness surrounding mental health challenges faced by medical and health science students.

Members of the Molecular Biology Clinical Research Unit within MBHG sporting their #CrazySocks4Docs (from Left to Right): Gertrude Persence, Shirley McAnda, Stephanie Alexander, Roslyn Pienaar, Leilani Abrahams, Charmaine Abrahams and Kathy Swarts

The launch of this initiative was made possible by iThemba foundation, together with Falke and Cipla, providing an opportunity for South Africa to join in the global discussion surrounding depression, anxiety and suicide of health care professionals. In addition, this activity serves as a token of moral support - to remind medical and health science students that they are not alone and that there are people who care about their mental health and wellbeing.

MBHG members rocking their crazy socks for #CS4D2019 (from Left to Right): Dannielle Moore, Denise Scholtz, Stephanie Alexander, Su-Mari Du Plessis, Caitlyne Young, Georgina Nyawo, Rouxjeane Venter, Roxanne Higgitt, Amica Muller-Nedebock, Caitlin McCaffrey, Samantha Bayley, Nicole brown and Aqeedah Roomaney

For a moment, just think about the number of times you have though "I wonder if my doctor is doing alright?" - maybe once? twice? or even never?

To many of us doctors, nurses, medical technicians and health science graduates are real-life superheroes - these are the people that save thousands of lives on a daily basis - so surely they are capable of taking care of themselves?

More often than not, health care professionals and medical students spend most of their time treating others and studying diligently to achieve top marks, that they often forget to care for their own health, be it physical or mental. This stressful, high pressure environment has lead to a high prevalence of anxiety, depression and even suicide in the health care profession.

Dr Middleton, GP and Chief Medical Officer of Medical Director’s explains:

"Expectations as   health professional in what we hope to achieve, how we envision what ‘ideal’ healthcare looks like from those early years as a student, and the reality of the day-to-day challenges of patient care, can leave us feeling disillusioned. Unsupported, it can wear us down mentally and physically, and more often than not, it’s a daily struggle"

Recent studies conducted within South Africa have highlighted alarming statistics regarding the mental well-being of primary health care providers and medicals students. Approximately one third of South Africans medical students have contemplated suicide during their studies, some of which resulted in physical manifestation of attempted suicide and death. These findings underscore the need for active intervention, to ensure the health and well-being of our future doctors.

In 2019, the World Health Organisation declared 'burnout' as a legitimate occupational phenomenon, resulting from chronic workplace stress, that demotes how well a person performs at work.

Recognising signs of anxiety, depression, burnout and suicidal inclinations are the first step to seeking help - and include: sleep disturbances, social disconnect, emotional instability, loss of appetite, restlessness and suicidal thoughts .Apart from this, it is also important to identify the causes associated with one's mental health and develop a strategy on how to best manage and overcome these challenges; the best way to do so is to seek professional help.

If you or someone that you know are suffering from a mental health condition, or have suicidal thoughts and are in need of help, you can call the CIPLA 24-hour mental health helpline on 0800 456 789 or WhatsApp 076 882 2775 for free counselling from a counsellor at SADAG. 

Written by: Dannielle K Moore