REFUEL THE MIND Stress-induced depression is killing Batswana
Putting yourself first, prioritizing mental wellness is key - expert
Mental health expert Charlotte Siya has expressed concern that some people do not make the effort to prioritise their mental health.
Speaking to The Midweek Sun, Siya noted that as much as people exercise their bodies to keep fit, have beauty regimes, go to dentists, have massages at spas and other engagements that form part of self-care, prioritising mental health is also important.
“Mental illness is like any other illness. It needs treatment and time to heal. When someone breaks their leg, they get treatment. They go through a period where they don’t engage in strenuous physical activity, and when they find themselves struggling after treatment, we understand the underlying cause.
“And just as you go for regular checkups, it is also important to make it a habit to see a counsellor now and then,” she said. She noted that despite the stigma, depression has always been a common mental health condition for centuries.
Siya said that it is important for everyone to put themselves first, and prioritise their wellness. “In our society, it is unpopular to say this but we need to put ourselves first. Our mental health and its deterioration due to social pressures can be resolved by prioritising our mental health needs over pleasing those around us.
“I am not by any means saying that people should shark their social responsibilities. What I am suggesting is a reasonable balance between society and yourself. The end result of not being well rested is stress which can turn to depression if not dealt with.
“It is important for us to rejuvenate regularly and refuel our minds. Prioritising your mental health is an individual activity and if you don’t prioritise it, society will be happy to take from you until you cannot give anymore and reach breaking point, and then they will move on to the next person.
“The current pandemic has allowed us to slow down and reflect, and appreciate that we have to put ourselves first more, for a better and sound mind,” she said.
Siya noted that we live in a world that is ever-changing and everything is fast and some people struggle to keep up or face challenges that they struggle to manage caused by loss, relationship problems, debt and unemployment, among other issues, so it was important to create networks of support for one another.
She explained that one of the most pervasive characteristics of depression is the isolation it causes.
“While many are physically isolated, some people are isolated not by being alone but by feeling alone. This means that despite being around other people, a person will isolate because they do not connect with those around them.
“In such instances it is important to be open-minded; while we all want to belong, we are different and it helps to be open minded to other people’s experiences and thoughts without being judgemental.”