World Mental Health Day 2015 October is World Mental Health Month, and 10 October World Mental Health Day. In South Africa, the commemoration of this health awareness landmark in our calendar is of particular importance.
In a country where a lack of resources creates huge obstacles for people with mental illnesses to access mental health care, celebrating a day which fosters awareness about the importance of mental health – for everyone – is imperative. World Mental Health Day marks an occasion when public awareness about issues related to mental health are made a priority all around the world.
Poor mental health can lead to poor physical health, as well as increased risk for exclusion from the community, and even suicide. In South Africa, efforts are needed for governments to commit to integrating mental health services into the general health system, for communities to include those with mental illness, for orgnaizations to intervene to prevent mental illness, and for individuals to become aware of the deleterious effects which stigma and prejudice can have on the lives of those with mental illness.
This year, a group of mental health organizations – PRIME, CPMH, PMHP, EMERALD and Cape Mental Health – are coming together to get the public involved in awareness campaigns. For a full list of the events taking place in the Cape Town area – from Open Streets in Bellville to a Gun Run – visit http://cpmh.org.za/wmhd/.
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