Mental health: How are we doing? What do we need to do
Professor Lesley Robertson looks at our medical model of disability and mental health legislation and unpacks the change needed at the societal As a proud South African, I am always conscious of our resilience, our ingenuity, and how we come together in adversity. But things are falling apart. Plagued by bereavement and job losses, betrayed by politicians and heads of institutions, as well as an ever-present fear of crime, trauma and violence; our centre cannot hold.
Gross inhumanity towards people with mental illness occurs in our country at institutional and individual levels. At institutional level, the most obvious is the Life Esidimeni tragedy. At individual level, we remember Jostina Sangweni, who was accused of witchcraft and brutally murdered earlier this year.Population wellbeing and psychosocial disability
In its concluding observations on South Africa in 2018, the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities expressed grave concern regarding the rights of people with psychosocial disabilities.Our medical model of disability and mental health legislation were criticised. The needs of women and children were emphasised. We need to change the way we live so that people with psychosocial disability may also experience wellbeing.
To prevent disability, early recognition of mental health conditions, support in accessing care and assistance in recovery are essential. Family, neighbours, employers, colleagues, educators, police, lawyers, prison wardens, religious leaders and healthcare providers – everyone in contact with the person – must play their part.
Every healthcare practitioner, from lay health workers to sub-specialists, to understand their patients’ mental health and be able to intervene appropriately;
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