South African Psychiatry - November 2018

REPORT
of the Advocacy Group, says that the youth are
especially vulnerable to mental health problems in
a country like South Africa.
“Suicide and depression are increasing in young
people, and are made worse by poverty, inequality
and unemployment in South Africa. The larger sociopolitical
climate has direct effects on psychosocial
wellbeing and mental health, so it’s our moral duty
to be activists in an area that is largely fragmented
and consistently side-lined by local, provincial and
national government” says Pillay.
DURING THE WALK TO USHAKA AND BACK,
PATIENTS, FAMILIES, PROFESSIONALS,
AND THE PUBLIC SPREAD MESSAGES
OF HOPE CARRYING PLACARDS THAT
CALLED FOR AN END TO STIGMA AND
SILENCE AROUND MENTAL HEALTH,
WITH SOME URGING THAT VACANT
PUBLIC SECTOR POSTS BE FILLED.
The morning included free health screenings, HIV
testing, aerobics classes by Virgin Active, and free
advice from local organisations, such as Alzheimer’s
KZN, Nurture, Alcoholics Anonymous, Advice Desk
for the Abused, the Ethekwini Mental Health Review
Board, Ikhwezi Welfare Organization, HIV Addiction
Technology Transfer Centre, and the Mum’s Support
Network. Staff and mental health care users from
various government hospitals were also present,
including Ekuhlengeni, Townhill, RK Khan and King
Dinuzulu.
Lynn Norton, the manager of Durban’s new SADAG
office, said the response was inspiring. “The South
African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)
KZN was a proud partner in this event, and we
had almost 100 people sign up at our stall to be a
volunteer, showing the great interest and need for
open dialogue about mental health” said Norton.
LIVASHLIN NAIDOO, A UKZN ALUMNUS
WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE WALK,
SAID HE WAS “PROUD” TO BE THERE.
“IT WAS A WELL-COORDINATED
AND COMMENDABLE EVENT. I WILL
DEFINITELY BE THERE TO SUPPORT ANY
FUTURE ENDEAVOURS TO HELP RAISE
AWARENESS FOR MENTAL HEALTH” SAID
NAIDOO.
Pillay urged all mental health stakeholders to join
forces to advocate for mental health. “The positive
response from the public highlights the need for a
common platform to drive services and support. This
event was made possible purely through donations
and sponsorships, with a wide range of corporate
and non-profit partners coming on board to pledge
their commitment to making a difference. Together
we can do more.”
To get involved, partner, donate, or volunteer, email
MHadvocacygroup@gmail.com
Suvira Ramlall Correspondence: Ramlalls4@ukzn.ac.za
52 * SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 17 2018