Fun walk highlights need to integrate in community
Patients and staff of Tower Psychiatric Hospital in Fort Beaufort undertook a 5km fun walk to commemorate the end of mental illness month on Tuesday.
Acting hospital CEO Dr Luvuyo Bayeni said: “We wanted to demonstrate that patients are equally suited to doing things like other members of society. We also want to show the community that our patients can also be integrated into society.”
Several hospital staff mem- bers accompanied the 32 patients as they walked through the streets of Fort Beaufort.
Sandile Rhana, 21, said he enjoyed the walk.
“I am not mentally ill but I became confused because I was taking drugs, and that is why I am here,” he said.
According to the World Health Organisation, there are many different mental disorders, with different presentations. They are generally characterised by a combination of abnormal thoughts, perceptions, emotions, behaviour and relationships with others.
Mental disorders include depression, bipolar affective disorder, schizophrenia and other psychoses, dementia, intellectual disabilities and developmental disorders including autism.
“There are effective strategies for preventing mental disorders such as depression. There are effective treatments for mental disorders and ways to alleviate the suffering caused by them. Access to healthcare and social services capable of providing treatment and social support is key,” according to the WHO website.
WHO’s Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020, endorsed by the World Health Assembly in 2013, recognises the essential role of mental health in achieving health for all people. The plan includes four major objectives:
● More effective leadership and governance for mental health;
● The provision of comprehensive, integrated mental health and social care services in community-based settings;
● The implementation of strategies for promotion and prevention; and
● Strengthened information systems, evidence and research.