Don’t go mental about it

MATTERS OF THE BRAIN: DESTIGMATISING PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS Woman with bipolar disorder aims to help people understand and not judge.

Depression is topical in social media but it’s still taboo in black society. Now Rephethile Kgwale, founder of a non-profit movement called Matters of the Brain, is on a quest to get people talking and to eliminate the stigma of mental health problems.

Matters of the Brain creates conversations about mental health problems, while empowering and educating people.

Kgwale has had bipolar mood disorder, anxiety disorder and dysthymia all her life and has often been judged by people who weren’t informed about mental illness.

We speak to her about some of causes of mental problems and her plans for the rest of the year.

How did Matters of the Brain come about?

Matters of the Brain provides a space for the masses to tackle uncomfortable conversations and issues around mental illness.

I’m trying to get into the corporate space to speak about mental health and educate management and or human resources staff.

What are you trying to achieve with the initiative?

I am trying to eliminate judgment and misconceptions about mental illnesses and have open conversations about it.

How long have you been running this campaign, and has it changed the community, especially the black community?

I started the movement in 2016, but I wasn’t in the right space mentally.

I wanted to come out to the public about my illness as I was tired of sitting around while people spoke badly about those with mental health problems.

How do you think black families and communities should be dealing with depression?

They should speak out and not judge without educating themselves. Parents need to have conversations with theiir children about the influence of social media and peer pressure. These factors are causing a big increase in youth suicides.

How many events have you had so far and how can people get involved?

I’ve had six events in 2018 and it’s been an amazing journey thus far. The reception has been amazing and so has the support from my family and partner.

Do you work with any organisations, brands or corporates to try get the message across?

Not yet, but I would love to partner with DisChem, psychologists and psychiatrists.

When is the next event happening?

There will be a yoga session presented by Matters of the Brain on October 6 and a meditation session on November 3.

It’s important to engage in activities that assist your body, mind and soul.

I’m also planning an event for November 10 in Soweto to tackle how social media contributes to cyberbullying and mental health issues, focusing mainly on the youth.

What are the plans for the rest of the year?

I’m hoping to speak at the In Good Company events with Jabulile Gwala and I’m also starting a magazine. “I want to get more opportunities at bigger events to empower people who do not know much about the mental sicknesses that have been poisoning our society for years.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE. Rephethile Kgwale is the founder of Matters of the Brain.

I am trying to eliminate judgmental attitudes.