Durban Today: Mental health walk

Monday 16 October 2017

13:53GMT [CWTV] Nokulunga Mkhize

THE mental health advocacy hosted a walk at Durban North Beach amphitheatre yesterday on Sunday. The country commemorates October as a mental health month.

The event’s Coordinator, Suntosh Pillay said “the aim of the event was to raise awareness on mental health issues and human rights of the people living with mental illness”. “We are following on the success of last year, where hundreds of people arrived, proving these projects are really needed”. Everybody is affected by friends or family who are depressed, anxious, struggling to move past death of a loved one. “Stigma prevents people from seeking help so we are hoping that an event like this will encourage dialogue and the freedom to ask for help” said Pillay.

Specialist Psychiatrist, Dr Suvira Ramlall, said that mental well being is fundamental to quality of life and productivity. “Walking has many proven health benefits, boosting your mood and immune system, mental health activities enhance people’s well-being and functioning by focusing on their strengths and resources”. Back