Durban — The ninth annual mental health walk and wellness fair to promote awareness of mental health and psychosocial services drew a large crowd in North Beach, Durban on Sunday.
The event, organised by the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Mental Health Advocacy Group, was a crucial reminder ahead of World Mental Health Day, this Thursday.
The walk, now one of South Africa's prominent free mental health events, was co-founded in 2016, by Professor Suvira Ramlall, a specialist psychiatrist, and Suntosh Pillay, chief clinical psychologist for eThekwini.
Both public sector employees sought to promote this year’s theme, Mental Health in the workplace.
The theme struck a chord with those in attendance because it highlighted the importance of mental well-being in work environments where many people spend the bulk of their time.
Ramlall, emphasised the need for greater attention to mental health, explaining that “many people prioritise their physical health while neglecting the fact that the brain is an integral part of their body.”
The goal of the event was to stress the importance of mental well-being and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
The fair saw over 25 organisations from the province interact with participants, raising awareness about various psychosocial services.
Participants were encouraged to engage in a range of physical activities, including aerobics, Zumba, yoga, kickboxing, and dance sessions.
Leading the dance were Khushi Jugoo, a dance instructor and psychology student at the South African College of Psychology, and Sohail Thirlokinath, a medical doctor and dancer.
Thirlokinath addressed some common misconceptions about mental health, stating, “Our brain works continuously throughout our lives. If we don't take care of it, how can we expect the rest of our body to thrive?”
The event also featured contributions from community organisations like the Bessie Makhatini Foundation for Dementia, represented by Madanda Mabizela, who spoke on the importance of raising awareness of dementia, particularly in township areas.
She emphasised the importance of engaging people with dementia in sensory activities, sports, and gardening to stimulate their minds.
“Most people do not understand dementia, and sometimes those affected are labelled as crazy or even accused of witchcraft,” Mabizela said.
Carol Hollinshead, chair of North Bay Lodge, a home for people requiring care, shared her thoughts on the event.
She praised the initiative, noting that 23 of the lodge’s 44 residents participated in the walk. She encouraged families to recognise early signs of mental health issues in their loved ones and seek appropriate help.
Among the younger participants, a 21-year-old student Zekhethelo Mathobela voiced her concern about the rising cases of suicide, especially among the youth, and expressed her desire to learn more about mental health through the walk.
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