“MENTAL HEALTH IS GETTING A VALID PLACE AT THE TABLE”

HAve you Seen A SHift in How people tAlk About MentAl HeAltH?

Definitely. It’s finally being recognised as an illness by more than just the medical fraternity. More people are understanding the link between trauma and depression. As more of us living with it speak up, others are realising they’re not alone and that they don’t need to suffer in silence. I think there’s more acceptance and compassion. Some of the older generations still struggle with the concept, even though they themselves may be sufferers; however, it’s getting a valid place at the table.

wHAt’re SoMe of tHe biGGeSt MiSConCeptionS About MentAl HeAltH?

If you’re a happy person, you can’t be depressed. That getting out in nature will somehowmagicallycure you.That you can think positive thoughts and your depression will go away. The list is endless. But one of the biggest misconceptions is that help can only be provided by a psychiatrist. This isn’t true because a good GP who understands your medical history is perfectly capable of supplying good treatment and prescribing the right medication. Only if this doesn’t work do they need to refer you to a more specialised practitioner. This misconception often keeps people who desperately need care from getting it because it makes them think they don’t have the resources to access psychiatrists.

How Are you Able to StAy So up-beAt AnD optiMiStiC, DeSpite your CHAllenGeS?

I’m lucky to have a good support system in my husband, my close circle of friends and long-standing co-workers. I know I have a wonderful life, by most standards, so I try to focus on that when the haze sets in. I’ve learnt to enjoy downtime and focus on myself.

wHoStillneeDStojointHeConverSAtion?

A lot of my answers come from a place of privilege, and I’m aware of that. I have access to good medical care, but the vast majority of people who live in South Africa don’t, and waiting lists for psychiatric and psychological care are unfeasibly long. I think the government needs to relook at this particular aspect of the system and find a way to make it more accessible to those who can’t afford instantaneous, private care because when it comes to mental health, delays can be deadly.