As the saying goes - mental health and physical well-being go hand-in-hand. You cannot have one without the other. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
Student Development invited numerous organizations to come and speak to the students at Monash in order to educate people on important mental health issues such as how to identify signs or symptoms of a mental disorder and how to help someone who could be struggling with a mental disorder. Representatives were readily available to lend a hand to anyone who may be going through a difficult time.
Exhibitors included:
- South African Depression & Anxiety Group (SADAG)
- Akeso Clinic
- SANCA - Phoenix House (Rehabilitation Centre)
- Lifeline (West Rand)
- The Department of Health
Caitlyn Cameron from SADAG explained, "There is a certain stigmatization about depression and suicide and so I feel this it is very important for students to talk about their issues regarding this. Students can also come and volunteer here at SADAG and gain experience and see what it is we actually do and see how important mental health is."
Along with the exhibitors, the different Monash sport clubs and programmes had the opportunity to advertise their codes and to give new members a chance to sign up. Students were able to get more information about training schedules and venues and the representatives' contact numbers.
Kegothatso Seerane, a member of the women's soccer team explained, "Soccer is a sport that brings people together. It's about coming to the game and bringing your spirit and coming out with a positive behaviour in the end." Lesego Ramaila, the woman's netball team representative said, "Netball is a social sport. We work together as a team and help build up each other's confidence during practice as well as during matches. We are all in it together." Ismail Kasvosve, the tennis team representative added, "All sports in general help anyone involved in a team or programme to develop their physical health and social life."
External fitness organisations also present were:
Vishal Mayer, a representative from Fight Fit Militia in Sunninghill spoke on behalf of the company saying, "We think that fitness is really important in every student's life. We help you to get fit, keep your physique and get a great body, and that helps with your concentration when you're studying during exam time. Great physical health means a great mental state of mind."
At the end of the day, an open mic session on mental well-being took place and students received answers to some very important questions such as:
- What are some of the mental health issues students can face?
- What are the reasons people can experience mental health issues?
- What are the signs and symptoms of a mental health problem?
- What help is available?
Stephen Laverack, a registered counselling psychologist at Monash Student Development said, "The last time we had some sort of mental health awareness campaign, from the files that I've seen, was in 2011, so it was long overdue. The incident that happened in res last year, where a student was found dead, who committed suicide, I think is a valid trigger for us to start taking mental health very seriously and has provided us an opportunity to be able to reach out to students."
For more of Stephen's answers to some of the questions regarding mental health and the help available on campus, watch the clip below.
Depression, anxiety and panic attacks are NOT a sign of weakness. They are signs of having tried to remain strong for too long. Break the stigma of having a mental disorder and speak out. You are not alone.
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