marks Psychiatric Disability Awareness Month

We closed off with Maleeka Mokallik - Public Relations and Communications Manager for Cape Mental Health Society. We were talking about psychiatric disability. July marks Psychiatric Disability Awareness Month and it is reported that between 1% and 3% of the South African population are likely to suffer from a mental health problem severe enough to require hospitalisation. The month raises awareness about mental illnesses, such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder and also draws attention to suicide, which is predominately precipitated by some mental illness.  According to the Cape Mental Health Society Psychiatric Disabilities are mental and emotional disorders that impair people’s ability to cope with their feelings and with the demands of the outside world. Its characterised by varying degrees of inappropriate behaviour, communication and understanding, and being out of touch with reality at times. It affects anyone and generally starts in adolescence or adult life (though there are exceptions) as the onset can be sudden or gradual, and the illness can be acute, chronic or intermittent. There can be a good chance of recovery from a mental illness, following appropriate treatment and support from special day centres, hospitals and rehabilitation groups. Even with medication though, some patients continue to experience unpleasant symptoms and deterioration in their ability to function properly. For further information you can contact the Cape Mental Health Society on (021) 447 2416 or visit www.capementalhealth.co.za