Matabo Letsoalo
 
All Gauteng public health facilities have prioritised mental health awareness this month.
This in line with Mental Health Awareness Month and it targeted at both health care workers and also residents of the province.
Under the theme, "Mental Health in an Unequal World", this week, departmental managers rang the bell for mental health.  This act symbolises the end of the use of chains in restraining mental ill patients.
Acting Director for Mental Health Directorate, Dr Catherine Sibeko said breaking silence is one of the most important steps in defeating the condition.
"Stigma and rejection of mental health patients are some of the challenges the world is confronted with," she said.
Employee Health and Wellness Programme's Ntombikayise Mdumbe highlighted that workplace bullying is one of the elements that contribute to high mental stress in employees and needs to be addressed.
Dr Freddy Kgongwana, Acting DDG for Hospital Services shared tips to prevent mental health challenges and they include: being social in a family set up; move away from social media such as WhatsApp whenever you are home and "appreciate each other's presence in the family".
"We should revive those values of Ubuntu and start caring for each other.  Compassion contributes to healing.  Staff members in mental health facilities should treat patients with respect and not add to their stress levels with bad treatment," said Kgongwana.
Dipuo Madonsela, a motivational speaker encouraged everyone to seek professional help whenever they feel burdened and troubled.
"Learn to understand that what they feel or go through is real and might not go away on its own or just through prayer. Loving oneself is key. Water yourselves," she said.
During the commemoration event, Gauteng Department of Health's Chief Operations Officer, Lesiba Malotana officially opened a friendship bench which aims to offer a therapeutic environment for staff members.  The initiative will be rolled out to other health facilities in the province.